Large Internet-equipped blimps are among the ideas being proposed in order to improve networking infrastructure in areas such as Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. They would be used alongside more familiar methods - such as fibre networks, satellites and radio masts - in order to improve connectivity in both urban centres and more isolated rural locations.

The company is also reported to be developing lower-cost Android smartphones for these developing economies as they move to expand the markets for mobile technology. The Wall Street Journal report that Google and local firms will also be aiming to use ‘free’ spectrums of the radio and television airwaves in order to start improving wireless access. This is similar to the way mobile networks in the UK & Ireland will be using some of the old analogue television spectrums for their forthcoming 4G networks.

Google have yet to comment on the reports.

A 'Google Blimp' is not such a far-fetched ideas. At their major I/O event earlier this month, developers introduced ‘Google AirShow’. Using ‘off-the-shelf’ model aircraft, the mini-blimps are equipped with technology that allow video to be captured and uploaded from the air, with the flight and camera operations remote-controlled by a technician on the ground. You can see a video explaining the technology below: