Google has announced a new trial scheme that could provide internet access in remote areas. Instead of using satellite connections, it’s looking into the possibility of putting communications equipment on balloons.

These balloons would be in the stratosphere at about twice the altitude of commercial aircraft and would offer data speeds that were similar to 3G networks.

Mark Bridge writes:

The telecommunications industry was making plenty of headlines last week – but much of it wasn’t particularly upbeat.

The debate about privacy and security continued in the wake of allegations about US agents intercepting internet traffic. Meanwhile, Nokia prepared to make its last Symbian smartphones and Tradedoubler warned that mobile devices were having a negative effect on high-street consumer loyalty.

The European Commission has adopted two proposals that would ensure cars could automatically call the emergency services after a serious accident.

Its ‘eCall’ system automatically calls the 112 emergency number via a mobile connection and passes the vehicle’s location to the emergency services, potentially saving up to 2,500 lives a year and cutting response times by up to 50%.

George Putic of voanews.com writes:

When news broke about U.S. government agencies collecting metadata about its citizens’ Internet and phone communications, many were surprised by its scope. The surveillance covered a vast number of Internet messages and phone calls. The government did not deny the action but pointed out that the collected data contained, not the substance of the communication, but the so-called metadata.

The Communication Workers Union says Telefónica will now be cutting 1,000 jobs as it outsources O2 call centre operations to Capita.

Plans for up to 600 voluntary redundancies have been extended with a further 400 people expected to be made redundant from call centres in Bury, Glasgow, Leeds and Warrington.