Google Launches Project to Restore Internet to Puerto Rico

Project Loon, a project under X (formerly Google X), a subsidiary of Alphabet that is dedicated to “moonshot” technology that can change the world, completed its first major mission in Puerto Rico by helping the island regain access to internet and cell service.

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X, which is pursuing technology to build self-driving cars and create alternative energy solutions, helped connect 100,000 Puerto Ricans to the internet and to mobile phone services. This was accomplished thanks to new technology that employs high-altitude balloons that can emit internet and cell connection, like a giant router or aerial cell tower.

After Hurricane Maria struck the island, much of Puerto Rico’s cellular access was cut off. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave Google, in a partnership with AT&T and T-Mobile, permission to tackle this reconstruction project. Since, 100,000 users have been reconnected to the internet and cellular service.

The company says that it is important that, in times of crisis, people are able to have access the internet and/or cell service to contact emergency services and contact their loved ones.

Pedro Emmanuelli, Google’s local specialist, was given control over Project Loon in Puerto Rico. The balloons were deployed from Winnemucca, Nevada and flew to Puerto Rico. Prior to launch, Project Loon’s team conducted extensive tests and diagnostics on its newly developed technology.

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The project has calculated that it could take up to 100 days to fully establish connectivity, although many users have gained ‘limited speed’ access to the internet and can receive text messages and important alerts. The service behaves like any other and phones do not display anything to users indicating that they are on Loon’s service.

The team is prioritizing the most populated areas of the island for its services. At the same time, they warn that reception can vary due to the high wind speeds of Earth’s stratosphere, where the balloons fly.