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TexasTowelie

(112,150 posts)
Thu Mar 11, 2021, 04:01 AM Mar 2021

New Idea to Spread Internet Access in Rural Areas: Drones

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. (AP) — Students in northern Wisconsin school district without reliable home internet will soon be able to connect to their school networks via a drone-powered cellular signal.

The project comes from a Wisconsin startup via a state-funded pilot program in the Eagle River area. Wisconsin Public Radio reports the goal is to test the use of drones as a way to expand internet connectivity into rural areas.

The partnership is between the new company, Wisconsin Telelift, and the Northland Pines School District. The drones will be fitted with cellphone towers that let students throughout the district get online — even in areas where cellphone service and broadband access are spotty.

Internet access is a difficult issue in the district, which spreads across 435 square miles in Vilas and Oneida counties. School administrator Scott Foster says up to 15% of the district’s 1,300 students just don’t have it at home. Half don’t have it reliably.

Read more: https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2021/03/11/new-idea-to-spread-internet-access-in-rural-areas--drones

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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New Idea to Spread Internet Access in Rural Areas: Drones (Original Post) TexasTowelie Mar 2021 OP
Last paragraph NJCher Mar 2021 #1
I've been flying drones for profit for several years... Ferrets are Cool Mar 2021 #4
for this purpose NJCher Mar 2021 #5
I am a RE photographer. Ferrets are Cool Mar 2021 #6
sounds like fun NJCher Mar 2021 #7
Actually, I'm in Mobile AL Ferrets are Cool Mar 2021 #8
Cool, wouldn't balloons be simpler? soothsayer Mar 2021 #2
+1 Ferrets are Cool Mar 2021 #3

Ferrets are Cool

(21,106 posts)
4. I've been flying drones for profit for several years...
Thu Mar 11, 2021, 10:12 AM
Mar 2021

I can't imagine one attached to the ground with a power cord.

NJCher

(35,662 posts)
5. for this purpose
Thu Mar 11, 2021, 11:32 AM
Mar 2021

I would think it's appropriate. But what do I know? I've never flown one.

How do you make money with a drone?

Ferrets are Cool

(21,106 posts)
6. I am a RE photographer.
Thu Mar 11, 2021, 11:48 AM
Mar 2021

So, I take aerials of homes that are close to rivers, lakes and the ocean. It makes a big difference in how quickly the property sells.

NJCher

(35,662 posts)
7. sounds like fun
Thu Mar 11, 2021, 12:31 PM
Mar 2021

and I'll bet you have a lot of demand up there in Wisconsin. My aunt had a vacation home up there in Tomahawk.

Ferrets are Cool

(21,106 posts)
8. Actually, I'm in Mobile AL
Thu Mar 11, 2021, 01:53 PM
Mar 2021

So yes, lot's of opportunities in that I live right on the Mobile Delta and an hour from the Gulf of Mexico.

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