Loon Speeds Might Range in Low to High Single Digits

Wireless networks other than Wi-Fi tend to have capacity far less than networks built using cables. That is likely to remain the case even as new platforms such as 5G using millimeter waves and small cells; low earth orbit satellite constellations, millimeter fixed wireless networks and more exotic platforms such as balloon networks or drones become possible. 

Alphbest’s balloon-based Loon network features a 2x10 MHz channel in Band 28 (DL = 795.5 MHz). 

In recent tests, “we observed sustained data speeds in the high teens (Mbps) and a peak physical layer throughput that was just over 40 Mbps,” says Signals Research Group. “We believe more typical data speeds with Loon are in the mid- to high- single digits.”

The point is that many wireless networks will feature coverage where wired networks cannot reach, but that data rates also are unlikely to reach cabled network speeds. As always, wireless networks face a trade off between coverage and capacity.