When it comes to drones, it can be a particularly sticky issue for the layperson. However, Yael Maguire, engineering director at Facebook Connectivity Lab prefers to drop the use of the word “drones” where “beaming” Internet to the developing world is concerned, as he is a whole lot more comfortable with “planes.” Still, a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, and Facebook as well as Internet.org intend to enlist the help of Internet-connected drones to help let the last 15% (an estimate) of the world’s population who have yet to get connected.
Maguire revealed additional details concerning this future plan over at the 2014 Social Good Summit, where he said, “In order for us to fly these planes — unmanned planes that have to fly for months, or perhaps years at a time — we actually have to fly above the weather, above all airspace. That’s between 60,000 and 90,000 feet. Routinely, planes don’t fly there, and certainly not drones.”
Other than altitude constraints, these planes will need to harness the power of the sun in order to have the relevant amount of power to keep running, taking into consideration how there has yet to be a fuel which will enable such planes to fly for extended periods of time without having to refuel. These planes are touted to be “roughly the size of a commercial aircraft, like a 747,” although they will need to go to the fat house to shed any unwanted weight. An existing prototype is said to be up to seven Priuses in length, but carries roughly the weight of four.
Good luck in bringing the Internet to the rest of the world!