Brazilian government is planning to use balloons to extend internet access to rural areas of the country, according to latests INPE  reports. Connecting remote areas using balloons is a project that the communication ministry is very keen to develop.

The main reasons to implement this technology are well-known, low cost, easy deployment and big reach. Therefore the deployment can be very suitable in countries with an almost inexistent infrastructure in rural areas like Brazil.

This project directly reminds us about the “Loon Project” introduced by Google last year.  However, this two projects are not related yet. The intention of the government is to work with national suppliers and import as little electronic equipment as possible, but also the competitive process for the project will be open to local and foreign parties to ensure that the best option is chosen. Tests performed by now have been done using prototypes…