Google Alphabet Company confirmed it is shutting down the internet balloon business venture ‘Google Loon’. The project was aimed at improving internet access for communities in rural and remote areas. The project’s focus was to create a network of flying internet balloons as a cost-effective alternative of constructing cell tower infrastructure.
Despite the perceived advantages of the project, the business model proved to be unsustainable and not economically viable. Alphabet has committed to ensuring smooth winding up of operations by pledging $10million to support entities affected by the loss of the Loon’s service. The company expressed hope to continue collaborating with the Kenyan government to extend internet connectivity to remote areas.
