Social networking giant Facebook has trialled solar-powered drones in the UK for first time, which will provide internet access to remote areas in the region.
The project is part of the company’s Internet.org initiative, which aims to connect the entire world through internet.
Developed by Somerset-based engineering firm Ascenta, the drones are designed to transmit laser-guided internet signals to the users on ground.
Named Aquila, the drone prototype is said to fly at an altitude of 60,000ft for months, and features solar panels attached to its wings.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said: "I’m excited to share that we’ve successfully completed our first test flight of these aircraft in the UK.
"Aircraft like these will help connect the whole world because they can affordably serve the 10% of the world’s population that live in remote communities without existing internet infrastructure."
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By GlobalDataLast year, Facebook unveiled plans to develop jumbo jet-sized drones to provide wireless internet access to the four billion people worldwide, The Telegraph reported.
The company aims to change the way aircraft are controlled by making it possible for one person to manage multiple partially-automated aircraft.
Google is also working on a similar project, developing drones that can fly for several years at a time. It is also working on Project Loon, which will use weather balloons to transmit internet signals.
