Google’s SkyBender to ray 5G internet from solar-powered drones

Google is working in secret at a spaceport in New Mexico to build and test solar-powered internet drones in a new initiative codenamed Project SkyBender, according to a report from The Guardian today.

Google is testing drones that can deliver super-fast 5G internet from the sky. The drones are using Virgin Galactic’s 1500 square foot hangar for which Google is paying $1000 a day.

Millimeter waves are thought to be the future of high-speed data transmission technology, and may form the backbone of 5G mobile networks.

Millimeter transmissions occupy the 28GHz frequency and although the range is shorter than that of current 4G technologies, the speeds are incredible. The company is now testing out solar-powered drones with prototypes of new age transceivers that it developed in the remote spaceport in the summer of 2015, according to reports. Google did not respond to a request for comment. Information gleaned by examining email exchanges between Google and Spaceport America confirms that the aircraft have free access to Spaceport’s runways for testing purposes. This new wireless Internet technology is capable of transmitting gigabytes of data 40 times faster than what LTE technology can now manage. Aereo founder Chet Kanojia’s new startup Starry announced earlier this week it would use millimeter wave tech to bring gigabit internet speeds to people’s homes via Wi-Fi. Google is also said to have installed its own dedicated flight control centre near Spaceflight Operations Center that is separate from the terminal.

Google has assured the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that its plan to carry out airborne wireless tests, believed to be related to its “Project Loon”, will not pose a threat to anyone.

Millimeter wave technology is very much a theoretical project and if Google succeeds in its testing, the technology may be game changer in how we access internet. SkyBender is part of a small Google Access team which also includes Project Loon.