Cell balloons the next big thing

Aug 28 2003 - 12:41 AM ET | Unique

NewsFactor reports on what could be the next big thing in cellular networks--modified balloons that double as cell towers. One company is boasting that a single balloon could service an area as big as Oklahoma due to the fact that they will fly these suckers at an amazing 100,000 feet up. This could really speed up network expansion to remote areas. There is one downside though, the balloons only last a day. No joke. The plan is to keep launching new ones at the cost of $300 a pop. The spent balloons fall back to Earth with a parachute and hopefully don't hit anything. Although at only 6 pounds, they won't hurt much.

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