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MANILA, Philippines – After spending an unprecedented $19 billion to acquire messaging service WhatsApp, Facebook is setting its sights on another acquisition. According to a report by TechCrunch, the social networking giant might be buying Titan Aerospace, makers of solar-powered drones.
Drones are unmanned aircrafts controlled autonomously by onboard computers or remote controls. Titan’s drones use solar energy for power, allowing continuous flight for up to five years.
Commonly used for rescue missions and tracking oil spills and forest fires, near-orbital drones are also ideal for broadcasting Internet signals. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been vocal about his support for Internet.org, an organization that aims to grant connectivity to the remaining 5 billion people who lack access.
According to TechCrunch, Facebook might use the high-flying drones to cover the areas of the globe that still lack Internet connection. Starting in Africa, the company will build 11,000 units of Titan’s “Solara 60” model.
“It’s only about a third of people [that] have any access to Internet at all,” said Zuckerberg. “It’s a really important problem.”
Drones may reach heights of up to 70,000 feet, high enough to perform the operations of standard space satellites. Drones, however, are much cheaper.
The initiative for worldwide Internet coverage has been explored by other big names in the tech industry. Google launched a network of weather balloons as part of “Project Loon”. These drone alternatives are currently aloft over the Pacific Ocean.
Samsung and Nokia are also partners of Internet.org. Analysts noted that a private fleet of drones might give Facebook the opportunity to offer “free access” deals with mobile carriers in developing countries. The company started this zero-rate deal in the Philippines when it partnered with Globe, giving Filipino mobile users free access to the website’s content last year.
In 2010, Facebook Zero was launched which allowed select countries in Africa and Asia mobile access without incurring data charges. – Rappler.com
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