When President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the approval of
Google Loon internet in the country, many Kenyans expressed their displeasure
with the announcement saying it will not help Kenyans deal with the effects of
the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
What is loon internet? How does it work? How will it help
Kenyans deal with the ruthless effects of Coronavirus on socioeconomic aspects
of life?
Project Loon is a Google invention that intends to increase
internet speeds and coverage in remote areas. In the wake of Kenya confirming more
Covid-19 cases and urging citizens to work from home, late last month, President
Kenyatta announced that Google had been given the go ahead to launch the loon
service in the country.
Loon internet uses balloons flying 20km up in the
stratosphere. They carry network-connected devices that connect to existing
base towers and then beam 4G signal across a wider area, which would not be
covered by the cell tower. The floating base stations (loon) make it simpler
for mobile networks to reach rural areas since installing physical base
stations would be costly.
Google Loon is working in partnership with Telkom, which will
ensure the network has wider network coverage of their 4G connection especially
in rural areas.
How does Loon internet make life better during the Covid-19
pandemic in the country?
With faster internet speeds and enhanced remote access in
remote Kenyans, Kenyans will have an easier time viewing and downloading
various materials online.
Announcing the launch of Google Loon in Kenya, Kenyatta
explained that the internet service will enable students and teachers access
education material remotely, thus allowing learning to continue from home. The
President closed learning institution in efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus
in the country.
Loon internet’s high speed is also helpful for employees
working from home. It is easier downloading projects, working on them, sharing
with colleagues, and presenting them.
The fast speeds will assist in ensuring Kenyans stay at home.
For example, they can download movies or stream from platforms such as Netflix
instead of heading out to movie shops. Loon internet will make online shopping
faster and less stressful as internet speed will no longer be a problem.
Google’s Project Loon is a beneficial invention. However,
many Kenyans do not have jobs that allow them to work from home. They have to
be at their workplaces to earn a living. However, the internet service will be
helpful for many other sectors of the economy and companies. It will also ensue
more people in the remote areas have access to the internet and enjoy fast
speeds.
