Google begins world-first balloon-borne Wi-Fi broadband trial in New Zealand.

[rkdrkd]

Google has kicked off its "Project Loon trial" in Canterbury this afternoon.
The scheme involved using balloons, flying at twice the altitude of commercial aircraft, which beam wireless broadband at 3G-level bandwidth (the sort of internet speed most people get from their cellphone).
Around 30 balloons have been launched as part of the trial. Collectively, they will offer broadband to a 10,000 square kilometre area.
Google spokeswoman Annie Baxter says 50 Christchurch homes have been given antennas that let them pick up a wireless broadband signal when one of the balloons is within 20kim.

more
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/google-...mber_250945694

[rkdrkd]

Youtube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcw6j-QWGMo