Punchkick Interactive Inc. » Space Data http://www.punchkickinteractive.com Punchkick Interactive is a one-stop, meet-any-deadline, won't blow-the-budget, must-impress-your-boss, best-in-the-business, mobile marketing powerhouse. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:29:56 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Google May Build Huge Wireless Network Using Floating Balloons http://www.punchkickinteractive.com/google/google-may-build-huge-wireless-network-using-floating-balloons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=google-may-build-huge-wireless-network-using-floating-balloons http://www.punchkickinteractive.com/google/google-may-build-huge-wireless-network-using-floating-balloons/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:30:52 +0000 ryan unger http://punchkickinteractive.com/blog/index.php/google/google-may-build-huge-wireless-network-using-floating-balloons/ Continue reading →]]> According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is considering either a partnership or a full-on buyout of Space Data Corp—a company that provides balloon-based wireless networks. If you think that seems a little strange, consider this: the balloons can help bring wireless service to individuals in rural areas and they can be launched on the cheap—about $50 to launch the balloon, $1500 for the receiver, and a $100 finder’s fee for recovery after the balloon returns to earth.

Additionally, a BusinessWeek article from last month revealed that Space Data believes it can cover the whole country with a WiMax broadband network with just 370 balloons. Compare that with the 22,000 or so towers that would be necessary using traditional methods.

Sources: Gizmodo and WSJ and BusinessWeek via TechCrunch and Broadband Reports

]]> http://www.punchkickinteractive.com/google/google-may-build-huge-wireless-network-using-floating-balloons/feed/ 0