Google is now looking for other ways to serve the internet. The company has asked the Federal Communications Commission for permission to test drones that can deliver wireless internet in New Mexico. The tests would begin in October and be scheduled to last six months.
“Google recently acquired Titan Aerospace, a firm that specializes in developing solar and electric unmanned aerial systems for high altitude, long endurance flights,” Google said in its application. “These systems may eventually be used to provide Internet connections in remote areas or help monitor environmental damage, such as oil spills or deforestation.”
These drones could eventually be used to deliver internet access to remote areas. Google would transmit at frequencies from 910MHz to 927MHz and from 2.4GHz to 2.414 GHz. Exactly what Google will be transmitting was redacted from the public version of the document.
“Google recently acquired Titan Aerospace, a firm that specializes in developing solar and electric unmanned aerial systems ('UAS') for high altitude, long endurance flights,"
Google plans to integrate Titan to the company Project Loon, Google’s initiative to deliver Internet access from balloons to parts of the world with limited connectivity. Project Loon was launched in 2013 and it aims to provide internet connection in areas where there’s no service providers.
They are also reportedly planning on deploying low-orbit satellites to provide internet access. Titan’s drones are solar powered and are capable of staying aloft for up to five years.
Along with providing internet to the rest of the world, Google also believes that serving internet through drones and balloons could also help disaster areas where communication is needed.