According to a new report by NBC News, two current and one former U.S. official claim to have observed an intelligence report asserting that the Chinese spy balloons used connectivity provided by an American internet service provider for data transmission services.

If the source report holds true, it showcases the audacity of the spy balloon designers. Not only did they incorporate U.S. technologies into the high-altitude balloons, but the Chinese also seemingly orchestrated a data contract with a U.S. ISP to funnel all the spy-in-the-sky data back home.

The spy-in-the-sky data transmissions were notably brief but packed with high-bandwidth bursts. According to the intelligence assessment, the predominant content transferred between the balloon and China centered around navigation information.

Consequently, the crucial question arising from the spy balloon saga is this: What additional information was concealed within the data bursts dispatched to China? Regrettably, we currently lack the answers to that pressing inquiry.

NBC reports that the Biden administration pursued a court order for electronic surveillance of the balloons.

However, the success of the order and any investigative outcomes remain undisclosed. Additionally, the American internet service provider identified by NBC News has reportedly refuted allegations that the Chinese balloon utilized its network.

Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, has asserted that the balloon(s) “unintentionally drifted into the U.S. due to the westerlies and its limited self-steering capability.

Confirming whether Chinese engineers orchestrated U.S. internet service would be significant. NBC News chose not to disclose the American ISP to safeguard the identity of its sources.

Spy Balloons, Previously Confirmed for Covert Surveillance Design

Headlines in early 2023 were dominated by China’s spy balloons, but investigations unveiled that they had floated above the states for months before generating any attention.

Investigators found downed balloons with components like a satellite-like device, solar panels for power, a propeller, and devices to collect photos, videos, and radar data. The balloons carried specialized Chinese sensors and equipment, leading a preliminary U.S. probe to conclude that China had indeed created them for spying.

The Chinese devices observed that the balloon, which went down near South Carolina, never successfully transmitted any information to China during its eight days over the U.S.

It remains unclear whether the lack of transmission resulted from hardware or software issues, jamming by U.S. authorities, or problems with the ISP, as this information has not been disclosed.