Network equipment riding on balloons, airships, gliders and planes could boost internet access, including in disaster zones, and improve scientific monitoring.
This problem seems like it was already solved using satellites.
The only real niche I see for this is during natural disasters, which could get a cell network back online in a limited capacity. But even then, it seems like it would be cheaper to just run some more diesel out to the cell towers’ backup generators.
The issue with that is getting information in and out of the disaster area. It’s all well and good having a cell tower online, if the back haul network is down.
Technology like this would, in theory, be able to reach outside the disaster area and get clear communication with the outside world.
This problem seems like it was already solved using satellites.
The only real niche I see for this is during natural disasters, which could get a cell network back online in a limited capacity. But even then, it seems like it would be cheaper to just run some more diesel out to the cell towers’ backup generators.
The issue with that is getting information in and out of the disaster area. It’s all well and good having a cell tower online, if the back haul network is down.
Technology like this would, in theory, be able to reach outside the disaster area and get clear communication with the outside world.