This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
On April 21, 2020, Google's Loon project announced the dispatch of additional balloons to Kenya, following successful launches from its Puerto Rico launch site.
The new balloons will join the eight already active in Kenyan airspace, as part of a network integration exercise. Upon arrival, the expanded fleet will continue testing with local partner Telkom Kenya, with the aim of providing internet services to users as quickly as possible.
The Loon service aims to connect unserved and under-served communities in Kenya using its 4G/LTE internet solution. Initial coverage areas have been identified, including Nairobi, Machakos, Nyeri, Nakuru, Kitui, Nanyuki, Narok, and Kisii.
Loon's flight engineers have designed landing paths to avoid commercial aircraft flight routes and are in communication with local air traffic control for real-time coordination.
