Google is targeting to reach new heights through its Project Loon, a solar- and wind-powered network of high altitude balloons bringing Internet access to rural areas whose citizens have yet to be transformed into netizens.

So how does the tech giant plans to connect the real world to the virtual world? A specialised Internet antenna will be mounted at homes and offices. It will then be linked to a consumer grade router. The Loon balloons will send signals to such antennas until they reach the ground stations.

Through this project, our current Internet infrastructure together with the telecommunications services providers will allow two-thirds of the global population to finally access the web as pointed out by the Telegraph.

From its position in the atmosphere, the Loon balloons can be steered upwards or downwards to provide better coverage in places which have yet to experience how it is like to stay connected to cyberspace.

The geographical areas covered by the Loon balloons drifting on an altitude of 60,000 ft will get Internet access with a speed greater than 3G networks are capable of providing. Each Loon balloon can cover an area of 460 sq mile according to the Examiner.

A group of pilot testers were the first ones to take part in Google's lofty ambition. Last June 15, the Telegraph reports that the company launched 30 Loon balloons in Christchurh, New Zealand, where the testers gained Internet access for 15 minutes through the signals beamed back to the Earth from the stratosphere.

The choice of location to stage the trial underscores the importance of Internet connectivity these days. Mayor Bob Parker was quoted by the New Zealand Herald when he said that "here in Christchurch, we're well aware of the importance of connectivity in crisis situations, and Project Loon could be of major benefit to aid organizations and disaster-affected governments alike as they help get cities up and running again."

It can be recalled that an earthquake took the lives of 185 residents of the place back in 2011. The tragedy disconnected them from the rest of the virtual world where they could have reached netizens who would have heard their cries for help.

Our connection to the virtual world gave us information, support, help, and entertainment to name a few. Significant data from credible sources are practically just a click away. News agencies like Reuters and AFP have long established their online presence to give the public an easier access to know what is happening in the world. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have and continue to serve as platforms to tap people from everywhere to raise awareness and provide assistance whenever necessary. And to balance things out, the Internet also provides entertainment like in the case of Google's interactive doodle such as the 'Do a Barrel Role' which went viral last year.