Instead of standing by waiting for Internet service providers to tap the two-thirds of the population without Internet access (see data, below*), Google is working toward servicing those areas with balloon powered Internet. Essentially, 'Project Loon' works like this: balloons are moved around in the stratosphere and sent into a layer of wind that's moving in the right direction, creating a large communications network to which people can connect via an antenna attached to their building. Not surprisingly, Project Loon was founded by MIT-trained scientist, Richard DeVaul.
Project Loon is currently being tested in New Zealand, with the long term goal of connecting people in remote areas, filling gaps in coverage and bringing people back online quickly after a disaster.
Do You Think Project Loon is Real or Just Loony?
Sure, it sounds a little loony and it's true that Google has been known to pull the occasional hoax, like Google Nose. But remember, this is a company that doesn't shy away from the unconventional--Google is testing a self-driving car, has invested in a solar power plant, and introduced the world to Google Glass. Remember too that Google stands to profit with every new internet user. Of course Google would figure out a way to use wind driven balloons to bring more people online.
What other uses can you see from using Google Loon or Project Loon? Leave your answers in the comments or post them on our Facebook page. We already know the obvious, but can anyone think of some outside of the box uses for such an interesting project?
Who's Online Now?
*According to the most recent Internet usage data published in June 2012 by Nielsen Online and reported by Internetworldstats.com, Internet service is available to about 34% of the world's population. North America has the highest percentage of coverage; Africa, the lowest.
North America - 79%
Oceania/Australia - 68%
Europe - 63%
Latin America/Caribbean - 43%
Middle East - 40%
Asia - 28%
Africa - 16%
Total number of internet users worldwide, as of June 2012: 2,405,518,376.
