Google and FB's push for High Altitude Connectivity Platforms

Aquila takes flight as Facebook eyes drone connectivity

Observing both Facebook and Google’s progress in terms of their high altitude connectivity platforms I have to say that I am astounded. Despite vast differences between FB and Google’s technical approaches, both recognize the fact that terrestrial coverage, regardless of the frequency used, will never truly provide ubiquitous broadband. Although traditional telcos are digging deeper into rural Africa, the business case for a earthbound base station falls apart sooner or later. Similarly satellite communication is and will remain expensive, highly latent and difficult to reliably achieve without line of sight.

I am convinced the way in which Google and FB are able to achieve this, is rooted in their agility and ability to embrace technologies from other sectors – specifically avionics and automation. Speaking from my telecoms background I doubt that network operators will be able to nurture this level of innovation – it simply does not fit their business posture.

I believe that it is important to realize that there are significant synergies that can be achieved when mobile operators partner with FB, Google and further high altitude connectivity providers. It offers an novel way for operators to fulfill their ubiquitous coverage commitments and in turn it can provide the other party with immediate fast connectivity in high revenue urban areas….