Lofty wireless platforms for high speed broadband

[dracodraconis]

Lofty wireless platforms for high speed broadband

Britain is testing a scheme to use tethered balloons as platforms for wireless signals. Preliminary tests show that data delivery rates can be increased by as much as 200 times compared to ground-mounted wireless platforms.

Comments

[ziggy-b.livejournal.com]

A U.S. company developed a system called SkySat that we looked at. It's why I went to Phoenix last December. While not a bad idea, it lacks a specific use for us.

The idea is that you can put any comms system on a balloon and it can't be affected by someone on the ground (unlike towers). It's cheaper than satellites but the problem is that it doesn't last for very long (a day?).

[dracodraconis.livejournal.com]

I would hope it lasts longer than a day if they are planning to use it for long-term wifi distribution. They're looking at floating these things about 20 km overhead. The article, though, doesn't say how long they can stay afloat.