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Well, last week we reported the launching of Google's balloons
a project aimed at bringing broadband capabilities to remote, less populated parts of the world that today don't have Internet access.
Well, the experiment was a success. As a result, what used to be only theory has become fact.
We talked with engineer Sameera Ponda, part of the Google X team, who has kindly given us further details on Google's Project Loon.
We brought the balloon down after 12 days because we knew our batteries were charging more slowly as time passed by,
although most days they received enough solar power to recharge themselves just fine.
As we were reaching the end of the journey, though, the balloon was heading in a more southerly direction, and thus it was harder to
receive any sunlight. That was our reason for bringing the balloon back down to the ground.
Nonetheless, most of the population is not that far south, even for those in remote areas.
That's right, that's correct
And Sameera, what can you tell us about the future, about the success achieved in this breakthrough mission?
We have plenty of opportunities to accomplish many enhancements over the next few months
however the success of the model has proven that we can provide an Internet signal and connection
through the balloons to many, many people, especially to those in remote areas.
Finally, I wonder if the Internet connection quality is reliable and stable
or whether the communication still has some flaws?
During the experiment, we had connections of around 3G speeds, comparable to 3G; nevertheless, during the upcoming months
we will improve our antennas and radios in order to keep up stronger signals all along the way.
Sameera Ponda is a member of Google X. Sameera graduated as an engineer in Aerospace Sciences from MIT and she is
about to complete her Doctorate studies in the Aeronautics Department of the same university.