Talk About Google Everywhere

You know that Google pretty much owns the Search market in most countries around the world. So with that in mind, the latest moves by Google to expand Internet usage should come as no surprise. According to spokespersons at Google, more than half of the world’s population still lacks consistent and affordable access to the Internet.

You see, the original meaning of a browser accessible internet has long been forgotten by many in the Western World. Do you remember what the prefix of a website stands for? Yes, that’s right. It is World Wide Web or “www” as it known today. However, this original vision has not yet been a reality for a significant portion of the world’s population. Specifically, Google says that for two out of every three people on the planet lack affordable Internet access. In other words, the original meaning of the term is yet to be realized.

Spotting an opportunity, Google is in the midst of what at first glance looks to be an arcane idea. Yet, if this technology actually proves itself to be viable, it really could change many people’s lives. Here is what this is all about:

Google is in the midst of a test project to deliver Internet access to a widespread area. Essentially, there will be an antenna mounted to a solar powered helium balloon. This antenna functions by receiving a tight band up-link from a ground based transmitter and then retransmits the Internet access signal over a wide area. The high altitude of these specially engineered balloons (twice as high as the typical commercial jet flight path of 40,000 feet) allow the down-linked Internet access signals to be received by individuals on the ground over a relatively large area.

At present, this is a pilot project being conducted in New Zealand. There are currently around 50 ground based testers attempting to connect and access the Internet through the balloon transmitters.

Interestingly, Google has also indicated that if the technology proves feasible, then it could also be employed for cell phones. In other words instead of third world countries scrambling to construct cell towers, a couple of always on transmission stations in the sky could do the same thing, albeit much faster and much cheaper.

Bottom line: Google has a history of providing exciting new technology solutions. If this latest pilot project proves itself, it will truly be a disruptive technology that provides widespread benefits.