The Knowledge to Decide

Can a network of floating balloons offer internet services? It seems to be a scene right from a science-fiction movie. Tech giant Google has launched a network of balloons that travel 20 km above ground level to deliver signals using LTE technology making the internet available at 4G speeds even in rural areas. First launched in New Zealand in 2015, the balloons later made their way to Brazil, Australia and recently Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The Indian government is still apprehensive about this technology, in the face of claims that it could lead to technical glitches due to interference with cellular transmission. Nonetheless, the government is yet to come back with a conclusive response. Will balloons bring the internet to every square inch of the world’s second most populous country? https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/googles-project-loon-balloons-to-provide-internet-in-india/

Indonesia’s mobile phone market is poised for growth. With the advent of smartphones and 4G Technology, how will service operators continue to lure customers? Aditya Teja, Senior Manager, Client Service (Telecommunication) of Spire Research and Consulting, shared his insights on MNC Business Channel – Economic Buzz. Indonesia’s mobile phone market holds immense potential with approximately 310 million subscribers recorded in 2013. There are a total of 10 service operators in Indonesia at present; with Telkomsel leading the way, followed by Indosat and XL Axiata. At present, the market is segmented by varying consumer concerns on benefits and bonuses, rather than price wars. With the advent of 4G Technology, service operators foresee faster and improved quality connections to come; with voice, SMS and data remaining as the main sources of revenue. On the other hand, the telecommunication industry also lends support to other industries such as banking, multimedia and health