This is the solution proposed by Microsoft to achieve Wi-Fi coverage in a larger geographical space

It will be difficult in the future for them to remain isolated from any type of connection if a proposal like this that Microsoft is studying progresses. And it is that Microsoft Research scientists want to extend Wi-Fi coverage to places where it is currently non-existent

An improvement that would stand out above all for the way in which they would make it possible, because they want to make commercial flights act as antennasthat distribute the Wi-Fi signal in places where up to now it has not reached.An alternative solution that would also be economical.

To defend this proposal, they have argued that there are a large number of commercial air routes with a large number of devices that could be used as signal transmittersA much cheaper formula than, for example, the one offered by Google under the name of Project Loon and using helium balloons located in the stratosphere at a height of about 20 kilometers would allow the creation of a 5G wireless network.

Microsoft's alternative is based on the use of existing unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum and Wi-Fi routers on commercial aircraft on various air routes so that these would communicate with ground signal repeaters extending coverage as if they were network extenders in a home.

The advantage of the Microsoft system is that a large part of the deployment would be very economical when having a large fleet of aircraft in the skies

An idea with which its promoters think that would enable the arrival of wireless Internet to more habitable nuclei even free of Wi- Fi and they give as an example the 80% of the population of Africa that could benefit and all with a very low cost since it is not necessary to deploy a complex infrastructure.

In addition, they propose to use ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcasting) signals that They determine the position of the aircraft at all times to activate the repeater that corresponds at all times.

The system has already been tested by Microsoft and although the connectivity would be intermittent, they ensure that the result obtained is more than optimal, allowing the use of the signal especially for tasks that do not require a permanent connection such as network messaging, consulting some applications or sending emails.

Source | MSPU More information | Microsoft