Project Loon is an initiative by Google to provide internet access to rural and remote areas using high-altitude balloons. 30 balloons were launched from New Zealand in 2013 as a pilot test. The balloons float in the stratosphere and are moved around by wind currents to form a communications network. Each balloon uses solar panels and batteries to power its electronics and can provide internet access to an area 40km in diameter. The balloons communicate with each other and the ground using specialized radio antennas and frequencies.