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  • Google Blimps: Coming to a Developing Country Near You
Technology Articles > Software > Web Development > Google Blimps: Coming to a Developing Country Near You

The Wall Street Journal reported a bit of interesting news last Friday. Google, Inc. plans to design and bring large blimps to developing countries. Not to scare the natives, but to provide WiFi to those in need. Google wants to connect every country to the Internet, as has been the company's main purpose for years now.

Currently, executives from Google are meeting with government regulators across the world in order to supply WiFi. The Internet connects people to ideas and concepts that are currently foreign, helps to boost economies, and also pads Google pockets. Here's how Google plans to provide Internet access to people all around the world - regardless of location.

The Cost of Infrastructure

Most developing countries want to provide residents with some form of technology that includes the Internet. But, building infrastructure is expensive. It costs plenty of money to create Internet access in developing countries (something that Westerners tend to take for granted). Google, on the other hand, can provide some of that money.

Google plans to build and develop blimps that will float over certain countries. These blimps will use television airwaves in order to bring the Internet to people everywhere. Right now, Google is trying to convince government leaders from a number of developing countries that this is the way to go.

If the company succeeds, Google also intends to bring cellphones and other devices to people that do not have this type of technology currently.

Setting Up In Cape Town

Google has already set up some wireless access boxes and base stations in Cape Town, South Africa, to test out the "Internet for all" theory. If the whole concept of Google blimps and Internet in far away places seems surreal to you, there are some things to think about. First, the more people that use Google - the better off Google, as a company, will be.

Second, Google hasn't exactly been shy when it comes to the company's mission to help those in need, or to bring the Internet to the world. Google executives believe that connectivity is the answer to many of the world's problems, and that things like the Internet will help economies flourish.

Just think of all those amazing startup ideas in places like South Africa - we haven't even begun to see what people in remote places are dreaming up, since they don't have access to sites like Kickstarter. Some venture companies have already begun to invest in startups from remote places too. Perhaps these companies have foreseen this move by Google, or maybe there's just a lot of amazing stuff out there that hasn't been discovered quite yet.

When Will It All Happen?

When might you hear about the first Google blimp? When might you start seeing startup projects from South African companies on sites like Kickstarter? Right now, Google has to convince leaders of certain countries that the Internet is the way to go (not an easy task). Then, if all goes according to plan, Google might be broadcasting from the farthest reaches of the earth. Wouldn't that be amazing?