More rural internet expansion in Africa

Loon and Vodacom agree deal for using high altitude balloons in Mozambique

Loon, the Alphabet-owned company, will combine with South Africa’s Vodacom to expand mobile network access to remote provinces in Mozambique, according to Reuters. The solution uses tennis-court-sized balloons that float 12 miles above sea level to enable coverage in areas with difficult topography. Mozambique is the third country in Africa where agreements have been reached, after Uganda and Kenya. The solution provides 4G coverage that supports data, voice, SMS and quick codes. Loon anticipates a future partnership that could connect tens of millions of Vodacom subscribers across Africa, says the website. Read more.