Google has started to release some of its 30 Wi-Fi balloons, which will travel around the world and provide those with little or no internet connectivity with a Wi-Fi connection.
According to indiatimes.com, it is hoped the balloons will fly around the world three times, as they are designed to stay up for 100 days.
The scheme is called Project Loon and balloons have already started leaving from their starting destination in New Zealand’s South Island, reports gizbot.com.
Google explained that a special antenna is needed in order to connect to the balloon network. To successfully receive the Wi-Fi signal, users must attach the antenna to their building.
“The signal bounces from balloon to balloon, then to global internet back on Earth,” Google said.
Apparently the material the balloons are made from can be compared to that of a rubber band and each ones is made up of 500 square metres of the stuff.
The material needs to be hard, as the balloons will experience dramatic changes in temperature on their travels, which will cause them to stretch and contract. It is also important that they are resistant to ultra-violet radiation and rough weather, otherwise the balloons could suffer a leak and become damaged.
