Telkom Kenya and Project Loon to Fastrack Rollout of 4G Internet Balloons

Back in 2018, we saw Google’s Project Loon partnering with Telkom Kenya. This partnership was set to see Kenyans get access to high-speed 4G internet in areas where cell coverage wasn’t possible before.

This is because the project would use floating balloons, cruising high up in the atmosphere to beam down 4G internet from their built-in onboard 4G base stations.

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In a statement by the President during the daily briefs on the state of COVID-19 in the country, the head of state said that the project had received the green light from all concerned parties.

“I am pleased to announce that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), has signed an agreement with Google Loon that allows Loon Balloons to fly over Kenyan Airspace. These balloons, which will hover well above our commercial airspace, carry 4G base stations and have the capacity to provide wider signal coverage.”

President Kenyatta

According to the President, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Communication Authority have both granted approvals to Telkom Kenya and Loon, that will ensure universal 4G Data health coverage is available throughout the country.

This will no doubt, excite the millions of Kenyans who are now forced to work from home. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic hence the government is implementing more and more punitive measures.

Decent internet is invaluable for health care workers across the nation, especially in remote areas. This is more so during this COVID-19 crisis.

telkom kenya loon

The President’s call to expedite this partnership, and quickly get the 4G system up and running, is a welcome call for a country that is relatively ill-prepared to deal with this pandemic.

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Fast internet will also be instrumental for learners. it will help them access learning material during this quarantine period when schools are closed.

Citizens are still advised to stay home and avoid public places as much as possible. This is in a bid to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

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