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Broadband from Airships

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the yes-but-where-are-my-flying-cars dept.

rustbear writes "The BBC reports that researchers looking to the skies to provide super-fast internet access via airships have proved it can successfully operate a data rate link of 11Mbps. Trials were conducted using a 12,000 cubic metre balloon, flying at an altitude of around 24 kilometres for nine hours. 'Proving the ability to operate a high data rate link from a moving stratospheric balloon is a critical step in moving towards the longer term aim of providing data rates of 120Mbps,' said Dr David Grace, the project's principal scientific officer. 'Balloons hovering in the stratosphere could become an attractive alternative as consumers demand ever higher bandwidth", said Alan Gobbi, the acting manager of the York Electronic Centre. With each airship being able to support an area of 60 kilometres, there would only need to be "a handful" to offer complete coverage in the UK, he added. Trials of the technology will continue in Japan next year.'"

5 of 180 comments (clear)

  1. I'm hoping... by saskboy · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm hoping that they don't coat the balloons with a flamable doping, so that there's no chance of flaming zeplins of doom from falling out of the skies. It would bring a new meaning to the "Internet being down" though, wouldn't it?

    Oh the Humanity! My wireless quit!

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    Saskboy's blog is good. 9 out of 10 dentists agree.
  2. A new first by confused+philosopher · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is this the first time that "super-fast", "airships", and "successfully" have been used together in the same sentence?

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  3. Hasn't this idea.... by philipmather · · Score: 4, Funny

    Hasn't this idea... been floating around for a while?

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  4. SSID by nm0n · · Score: 4, Funny

    SSID = LedZeppelin

  5. Re:Vulnerability by Michael+Woodhams · · Score: 4, Funny

    They're talking about an altitude of 24000 metres (79000 feet.) This would require a serious missile - something launched from a truck or aircraft, not from a shoulder. Wikipaedia says the Stinger can attack aircraft at altitudes between 180m and 3800m. If terrorists are able to drive a truck-based missile launcher into your country, your porn conduit probably isn't going to be high on their list of targets.*
        But yes, if there is a war on and enemy aircraft are overflying your country, you may loose broadband internet, significantly impacting your ability to download recent TV shows.

    * But if the missile is labeled something like "National Committee for the Enforcement of Community Standards", perhaps you should start worrying.

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