Alphabet (Project Loon) Balloon network being cancelled

[ATCTech]

FlightRadar24 is reporting that Project Loon, Alphabet's balloon-based 4G-LTE service delivery platform is being discontinued as it's been determined that it is not financially viable to continue the service.

A press release from Telkom Kenya reports that it's mobile phone service which utlilizes Project Loon will cease operation March 1st.

Internet balloons pilot project to be discontinued in Kenya - Xinhua | English.news.cn

www.xinhuanet.com

 

[eorange]

Glad I was able to catch a few HBALs when I did.

 

[GlobalNorth]

Google Closes Loon, Its Plan to Use Balloons for Web Access

The Alphabet project that aimed to serve hard-to-reach regions is winding down after failing to reduce costs enough to achieve a sustainable business model.

www.wsj.com

 

[ind224]

Bummer I liked to look for them with binocs when FR24 indicated a target. Only got one but once in a lifetime is like that. A swarm now over Africa and a pair over SA.

 

[ATCTech]

ind224, I agree. I had one spectacular summer morning pass of a Loon balloon in 2019, almost directly overhead at an altitude of about 57000 feet. With binoculars and the perfectly angled morning sun it was so beautiful in the sky, an enormous white orb gracefully floating by.

 

[alcahuete]

It was a good idea until Elon Musk came along.

 

[spacellamaman]

FlightRadar24 is reporting that Project Loon, Alphabet's balloon-based 4G-LTE service delivery platform is being discontinued as it's been determined that it is not financially viable to continue the service.

A press release from Telkom Kenya reports that it's mobile phone service which utlilizes Project Loon will cease operation March 1st.

Internet balloons pilot project to be discontinued in Kenya - Xinhua | English.news.cn

www.xinhuanet.com

they finally asked the opinion of an accountant i see.

 

[eorange]

I wish I could've seen one. I tracked 2 over Lake Michigan and they eventually cruised over NE ohio, but it was nighttime. The next day they were floating down the east coast. I later read they parked over Puerto Rico providing cell service after a hurricane.

 

[ATCTech]

I wish I could've seen one. I tracked 2 over Lake Michigan and they eventually cruised over NE ohio, but it was nighttime. The next day they were floating down the east coast. I later read they parked over Puerto Rico providing cell service after a hurricane.

Well, if you could high-tail it to Kenya right about now your chances would be well above excellent!