Weather balloons could improve broadband
Friday 22 February 2008
A report in The Times has revealed that weather balloons hovering at the outer limits of the Earth's atmosphere could be the answered needed to improve broadband services in relatively cut-off parts of rural Britain.
After trials in America by Space Data showed that it was possible to attach small phone masts to balloons, improving service in remote and rural areas with wireless internet access the research group is now preparing to offer the new technology to broadband companies in 41 countries where a patent exists. Over $70 million (£36 million) has been put into the research scheme through private funding.
The receiver can be attached to a balloon and risen to an altitude of around 100,00ft. Once in flight, one balloon can potentially beam a signal to an area equivalent to the coverage provided by 80 mobile phone towers, and a mere 70 balloons would provide cover to the whole of the United States.
It has been suggested that local farmers could be paid to release the balloons needed for this new service on their land, potential giving new broadband life to rural areas who risk losing their services after the digital switchover.
One major problem with the new tactic is that released balloons only last for 24 hours before bursting. A whole team would then be required to release new balloons and retrieve the fallen expensive radio equipment. Concerns have been aired on the potential damage to the environment caused by the use of weather balloons and there is also the risk that local animals may be injured if they eat the latex balloons.
