World Mobile is pioneering a novel approach to global connectivity by developing a fleet of drones equipped with blockchain-enabled 5G technology. The initiative aims to provide affordable and efficient internet access to underserved and unconnected regions, positioning itself as a potential revolution in telecommunications infrastructure.
Each high-altitude drone, operating at an altitude of 60,000 feet, is designed to cover a vast area of 15,000 km² using 450 guidable beams. This technology enables extended service periods of multiple days without requiring the drone to land. World Mobile claims its solution offers data connectivity at costs potentially up to 18 times cheaper per gigabyte (GB) than conventional satellite services.
The project emerges amidst a satellite communications market forecasted to potentially surpass $159 billion by 2030. World Mobile specifically targets patching cellular ‘dead zones,’ offering an alternative solution primarily focused on stratospheric infrastructure rather than orbiting satellites.
However, significant hurdles remain before widespread deployment. The company must navigate complex regulatory approvals, notably from agencies like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Technical challenges also persist, including the vulnerability of equipment to cosmic radiation at high altitudes.
This stratospheric model presents a distinct contrast to established satellite internet companies such as Starlink, as World Mobile emphasizes cellular connectivity delivered from drones within the Earth’s atmosphere as its core solution for bridging the digital divide.