Man, Google really is all in on drones. After testing delivery drones as a part of its Project Wing program, the company has now asked the FCC for permission to test drones that could eventually be used to deliver internet access to remote areas of the planet. Back in April, Google bought a high-altitude drone startup called Titan Aerospace, whose drones would run around collecting “real-time, high-resolution images of the Earth” in addition to supporting voice and data services. Google planned to integrate the company into Project Loon, the company’s mad genius plan to shoot high-altitude balloons into space to cover the world in a blanket of Googley Wi-Fi.
Google has asked the Federal Communications Commission for permission to conduct tests on drones that could eventually be used to deliver Internet access to remote areas. “Google recently acquired Titan Aerospace, a firm that specializes in developing solar and electric unmanned aerial systems (‘UAS’) for high altitude, long endurance flights,” Google wrote Friday in a request that the FCC keep most testing details confidential. “These systems may eventually be used to provide Internet connections in remote areas or help monitor environmental damage, such as oil spills or deforestation. The STA [Special Temporary Authority] is needed for demonstration and testing of [REDACTED] in a carefully controlled environment.” Google bought Titan in April, with plans to integrate the company into Project Loon, Google’s initiative to deliver Internet access from balloons to parts of the world with limited connectivity. Google is also reportedly planning to deploy low-orbit satellites to provide Internet access. Titan’s drones are powered by solar energy and can stay aloft for up to five years, as we reported in a profile on the company last year.
