If Google has its way, giant balloons will soon serve as mobile cell towers. Project Loon is the company’s effort to provide high-speed internet connectivity, and the company is expected to start a four-day trial over India soon, followed by commercial deployment. Telefonica, Telstra and Vodafone have already participated in tests. The balloons are designed to fly at an altitude of 20km, and can stay afloat for up to 100 days.

Borgen Magazine reported the balloons are intended to bring wireless service to rural areas, fill coverage gaps, and make networks operational after natural disasters. Each balloon can provide service for a 50-mile diameter – an expanse larger than the state of Rhode Island.

Tom Moore, co-founder of satellite-based broadband service provider WildBlue Communications, will become general manager of the project in September. His previous projects made broadband internet available by satellite during a time when it was feared satellites might make towers inconsequential.