Google is working with the government on a pilot project for providing Internet connectivity in the country by using large balloons, reported the Press Trust of India. Project Loon uses big balloons that float at a height of 20 kilometers above the earth’s surface for the transmission of Internet services. The project has already been tested in New Zealand, the United States and Brazil.

An official told PTI, “Google approached [the] government to set up the Loon project and drone-based Internet transmission. [The] government has approved testing of Loon project only as of now.” The report said that Google may initially partner with BSNL for testing the technology in India. The technology has potential to replace mobile towers as it can directly transmit signals to 4G mobile phones.

Google has not confirmed the development.