Google seeks partnership with Kenya telcos for roll-out of internet balloons
The project seeks to increase internet connectivity among the millions of people living in rural areas
The project which has been under testing in parts of the country seeks to increase internet connectivity among the millions of people living in rural areas without ground stations and fibre connections.
Kenya's ICT ministry lauded the move saying it would bring down costs and deepen internet use across all segments of the population.
Telkom is the only mobile network provider that has been in consultation with Project Loon so far but no partnerships have been confirmed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Internet signals
The balloons enable the nearest telecommunications partner’s ground station to receive the wireless internet signals that are then transmitted across the network of balloons and then back down to users’ mobile phones on the ground.
Each balloon can cover up to 5000 square kilometers and uses only renewable energy.
Even then, there’s still uncertainty over the safety of the balloons after it was reported that one such balloon crashed in a farm in Meru a while ago.
Such crashes have also been witnessed in nearly 10 countries, including Panama and the USA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Recommended articles
Top 10 richest mineral-producing countries in Africa
How to join NIS with a certificate, diploma or degree
Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote poised to overtake another Russian billionaire Vladimir Lisin on Bloomberg billionaires list
Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?
Ruto responds to Kenyans who don't want houses & 3% housing fund levy
Fantana's Biography: Age, education, career, net worth & relationship with Diamond
Mzee Kibor's will made public, revealing how vast wealth and millions will be distributed
Ini Edo posts new photos amid reports of welcoming a baby through surrogacy