This week witnessed the launch of Google’s latest project with a surprising twist. With the launch of 30 balloons scattered across New Zealand, Google aims to test the theory that could potentially lead to affordable Internet access the world over. The appropriately named, Project Loon, positions balloons at a distance of about 12 miles above earth through locations built upon stratospheric rings with the goal to be able to project internet connectivity to the earth below via the balloons.

Admittedly, it does sound dubious, and Google and Project Loon managers agree that there are countless terrestrial obstacles to overcome when ensuring connectivity to the earth below,  jungles and mountains not least of their worries, but it would be a pioneering step in communication history with a commercial brand taking positive measures to one day provide the internet to rural villages and cities alike.