Loon, a US-based subsidiary of technology conglomerate Alphabet that uses balloons to connect users in remote places to the internet, secured $125m today from HapsMobile, a high-altitude telecommunications infrastructure developer.
The investment forms the basis of a collaboration agreement that also gives Loon the right to invest $125m in HapsMobile, a joint venture formed by telecommunications conglomerate SoftBank and unmanned aerial vehicle developer Aerovironment.
Loon deploys high-altitude balloons in the stratosphere, the layer above the troposphere where the majority of weather activity takes place. The balloons float at an altitude of almost 18 kilometres and generate wireless networks boasting speeds of up to 4G.
The companies will collaborate on exploring commercial opportunities in deploying high-altitude infrastructure, with a particular focus on mobile internet penetration, including 5G and internet of things-based systems.
HapsMobile will be able to use Loon’s technology, while Loon will benefit from HapsMobile’s aircraft once their development has been completed. Loon’s fleet management system will also be adapted and optimised for HapsMobile’s needs, letting each tap into the other’s network.
The two will also work on communications technology that can be adapted to various vehicles and which will comply with a range of frequency bands. Finally, they will form an international alliance to promote the use of their respective technologies with regulators and other officials.
Alastair Westgarth, chief executive of Loon, said: “We see joining forces as an opportunity to develop an entire industry, one which holds the promise to bring connectivity to parts of the world no one thought possible.“
This is the beginning of a long-term relationship based on a shared vision for expanding connectivity to those who need it. We look forward to what the future holds.”
