On the 15th of June 2013, Google ran first tests on its newly developed attempt to tackle the lack of internet access in remote areas.

The so-called Project Loon aims to overcome geographical obstacles to internet connectivity, such as jungles, mountains, or archipelagos, with a phalanx of balloons that sail in the stratosphere like low level satellites. These are fully solar-powered and moved by stratospheric winds.

Google stated that Project Loon will be able to provide internet access with speeds comparable to the 3G mobile network.

Future plans of this project envision a control center that communicates with local air traffic control to ensure no interference with commercial flights.

Whilst Google told the news that the project's aims are entirely altruistic, it can also be argued that people without internet access are untapped financial resources for the company, which yields parts of its profits through advertising on its websites.