Alphabet’s Loon launches balloon Internet service in Kenya

Telkom Kenya CEO Mugo Kibati uses his cellphone to test the Loon technology Internet via video call as Alphabet Inc begins offering the world’s first commercial high-speed Internet using balloons to villagers in Radad, Baringo County, Kenya. — Reuters

BARINGO, Kenya: Alphabet Inc began offering the world’s first commercial high-speed Internet using balloons to villagers in remote regions of Kenya’s Rift Valley on July 8.

The service is run by Loon, a unit of Google’s parent Alphabet, and Telkom Kenya, the East African nation's third largest telecoms operator.