Google is acquiring Titan Aerospace, a maker of solar-powered drones that could be used to boost Internet access to remote areas. Google did not release the financial terms of the transaction.
Titan’s drones are able to run for five years at an altitude of some 65,000 feet (19,812 meters). They can perform similar functions to geostationary satellites, but are less costly. Google is developing Project Loon, which uses large balloons for transmitting Internet signals to regions that are not now connected.
Facebook, not to be left out is also interested in spreading the Internet to new territory, was reportedly interested in acquiring Titan. Instead Facebook announced in late March that it was acquiring Ascenta, a British firm specializing in unmanned solar-powered vehicles.
Source: Industry Week
