Will Facebook Aquila "Crush" Google Skybender?

Facebook execs have in the past sometimes joked (playfully)  with their counterparts at Google that, where it comes to unmanned aerial vehicles to support internet access, “we’ll crush you.”

As Facebook explores trails with Indian mobile operators, it might appear that Facebook has a bit of a lead. Facebook already is seeking to launch pilot projects with Indian mobile service providers.

Google’s Project Skybender has been testing use of drones outfitted with millimeter wave transmitters to deliver 5G services to terrestrial devices. But little in the way of further details have emerged since early 2016.

Separately, Project Wing has seemingly concentrated more on product delivery, while among Google’s innovative internet access platforms, Project Loon has continued to plow ahead using balloons as the communications vehicle.

It's a friendly competition, but Facebook might be in the lead, for the moment, at least.