The recent devastation caused by the hurricanes in Puerto Rico unveiled a massive problem with modern society's dependence on instant, long-distance communication. With the destruction of much of the communications infrastructure, thousands of people found themselves unable to access the internet or conveniently communicate with friends, family, and recovery crews. According to Engadget, Alphabet (the parent company of Google) unleashed their new Project Loon service to provide connectivity to over 100,000 people.
Project Loon takes specially built balloons that can fly high above the ground and, with the help of solar-powered relays, spreads LTE cellular service from companies like AT&T and T-Mobile over an incredible area. Puerto Rico became a proof of concept for the company who ultimately wants to be able to spread internet globally to everyone.
