Facebook Successfully Tests Laser Drones in UK Skies

screen-shot-2014-03-27-at-1-38-10-pm.png?w=680&h=402

Facebook has been testing large, solar-powered drones in the skies over the UK, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has announced. The drones use lasers to beam Internet access down to the ground, designed to provide connections to rural and internet-free zones.

“As part of our Internet.org effort to connect the world, we’ve designed unmanned aircraft that can beam Internet access down to people from the sky,” said Zuckerberg in a blog post. “We’ve successfully completed our first test flight of these aircraft in the UK.”

Developed by Ascenta, a Somerset-based designer of solar-powered drones bought by Facebook in March 2014, the drones will be able to fly at altitudes of 60,000 feet for months at a time on solar power. They will have wingspans greater than 29m, or that of a Boeing 737, but weigh less than a car.

The drones form part of Facebook’s Internet.org initiative that aims to connect the next billion people to the Internet, creating new markets for the social network, which already connects 1.39 billion monthly active users. Google is also planning to provide internet access to non-connected areas using both high altitude balloons and drones, buying American drone firm Titan Aerospace in April last year.

The two US technology firms are fighting it out to become the pipe and hub that serves both new users and an untapped resource for marketers.


Guardian:

« Smartphone Apps Covertly Report Your Location Data
The Cyber Chicago Way »

Infosecurity Europe
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

Practice Labs

Practice Labs

Practice Labs is an IT competency hub, where live-lab environments give access to real equipment for hands-on practice of essential cybersecurity skills.

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law advise global businesses that buy and sell technology products and services. We are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

Qualitèsoft Technology

Qualitèsoft Technology

Qualitèsoft Technology is a leading Software Development and Quality Assurance organization. We specialize in Custom Development, Mobile Application, Software Testing and Quality Assurance.

Logsign

Logsign

Logsign is a Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) platform with next-gen Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution.

PRODAFT

PRODAFT

PRODAFT, Proactive Defense Against Future Threats, is a cyber security and cyber intelligence company providing solutions to commercial customers and government institutions.

GraVoc

GraVoc

GraVoc is a technology-consulting firm committed to solving business problems for customers through the development, implementation, & support of technology-based solutions.

StormWall

StormWall

StormWall is an Anti-DDoS protection service for websites and networks. We offer 100% protection from all types of DDoS attacks and 24/7 technical support.

Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI)

Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI)

ASTRI's mission is to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research in areas including Security & Data Sciences which encompasses cybersecurity.

Security BSides

Security BSides

Security BSides is the first grass roots, DIY, open security conference in the world!. BSides is a community-driven framework for building events for and by information security community members.

Keyless Technologies

Keyless Technologies

Simple, secure, and interoperable authentication. Keyless offers unmatched security, privacy and usability, while reducing risk and infrastructure costs.

Data Storage Corp (DSC)

Data Storage Corp (DSC)

Data Storage Corporation is a provider of data recovery and business continuity services that help organizations protect their data, minimize downtime and recover and restore data.

DeVry University - Cyber Security Degree

DeVry University - Cyber Security Degree

Explore the dynamic world of data protection with a hybrid or online cyber security degree specialization with DeVry's IT & Networking Bachelor's Degree.

Stripe OLT

Stripe OLT

At Stripe OLT, we provide complete business technology solutions - Our team has an unrivalled reputation as a Microsoft Gold Partner, specialising in secure, cloud-first technology.

Myota

Myota

Myota intelligently equips each file to be resilient and achieve Zero Trust-grade protection. Withstand ransomware and data breach attacks. Reduce data restoration time and effort.

Guardey

Guardey

Guardey protects thousands of SME's environments. Whether your team works at the office, at home, at the customer or remotely. We protect your business. We do this in an accessible and affordable way.

BluSapphire

BluSapphire

BluSapphire is an industry-first, purpose-built, cloud-native, Hybrid XDR platform powered by AI and big data analytics.

Ignite Cyber

Ignite Cyber

IGNITE Cyber is focused on enabling secure technology adoption through intelligent business decisions. We are focused on providing a secure and stable business environment for everyone.

Cyber Brain Academy

Cyber Brain Academy

At Cyber Brain Academy, our mission is to provide high-quality IT certification training for the cyber security workforce.