Project Loon

Google has started the pilot project to provide internet connectivity to remote parts of India. As part of ‘Project Loon’, Google works with the government of India. Government of India has formed a committee under the chairmanship of Secretary, DEITY to work on the project. Google has tested the technology in countries of Brazil, New Zealand and California of USA.

How it Works

Under the project, large balloons floating at a height of 20 KM above earth surface (in stratosphere) are used for transmission of internet services.  Each balloon has the capacity to provide connectivity to a ground area about 80 km in diameter using the wireless communications technology called LTE or 4G. To use LTE, Project Loon partners with telecom companies to share cellular spectrum by which people can access the internet from anywhere directly from their LTE enabled mobile phones and devices. Each balloon is fitted with solar panel and wind to power electronic equipment for provision of power throughout the day. The balloons are designed to protect them from UV radiation and temperature variations. Google will use software algorithms to decide the direction of balloon moment to form one large communications network.  Initially, Google will use BSNL’s broadband spectrum in 2.6 Ghz band to test the technology. The technology may replace the mobile towers to transmit the signals.