Detwiler, Jacqueline. “Carrying the Internet in Balloons.” Hemispheres Magazine September 2013: 61. Print.
Engineers at the Google X lab are working to spread internet accessibility via balloon. Made out of polyethylene plastic, the massive 39 x 49 foot constructions aim to service areas like rural Africa and South America where internet access is scarce. The balloons travel the stratosphere on wind streams and are spaced to achieve the widest coverage possible. They carry radio antennae to connect with the other balloons as well as an internet ground station and local homes/offices.
This invention reminds me of the balloon-like airborne wind turbines featured here weeks ago. There seems to be a growing trend of finally utilizing wind as a clean, renewable resource. Both projects have a goal in mind of helping isolated villages gain access to modern technology. Equality of access is essential, and it’s spreading thanks to these new developments.
