Lofting Balloons for Cell Service

Wired In North Dakota, former Gov. Ed Schafer is backing a plan to loft wireless network repeaters on balloons high above the state to fill gaps in cellular coverage.

"Extend America and Chandler, Arizona, company Space Data are developing the technology, which is believed to be the first to use disposable balloons to provide cellular coverage. A trial balloon will be launched in the next few weeks to test the idea.

"To cover every square mile of North Dakota, it would take 1,100 cell towers," Schafer said. "We can do the whole state with three balloons."

For anyone old enough to remember, in 1998, a US company offered Internet access thanks to a zeppelin.

emily | 7:51 AM | Technology |
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