According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is considering either a partnership or a full-on buyout of Space Data Corp—a company that provides balloon-based wireless networks. If you think that seems a little strange, consider this: the balloons can help bring wireless service to individuals in rural areas and they can be launched on the cheap—about US$50 to launch the balloon, US$1500 for the receiver, and a US$100 finder’s fee for recovery after the balloon returns to earth.
