World Mobile, the first mobile network built on the blockchain and operated by people, has partnered with Altaeros, the developer of the world's first autonomous floatplane, to connect the unconnected.
Founded at MIT in 2010, Altaeros' mission is to help provide connectivity to those who need it most, while World Mobile is the first mobile network powered and operated by the people, and through this partnership will provide low-altitude floaters, each covering an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometres, to form part of the World Mobile dynamic network.
World Mobile plans to launch these balloons in Africa to connect hundreds of millions of people. Several floats will be launched in Zanzibar, anchoring the network and providing near 100% island connectivity.
Each float will connect hundreds of thousands of subscribers and each subscriber on the network will create a blockchain wallet. world Mobile will deploy thousands of floats across the African continent.
The floater system consists of a helium-filled shell and stabilising fins. The unique 3-tether architecture limits the movement of the floats in the air (pitch, roll and yaw), which is essential for stable telecom coverage so that connections are not intermittent.
The float is connected to a movable mooring platform with built-in software that allows the balloon's position to be adjusted to wind conditions. The on-board communications system using beamforming technology (a technique that focuses radio signals to specific receiving devices) will allow direct connectivity for 3G, 4G and 5G phones and will also connect to nearby WM AirNodes via conventional and alternative spectrum.
"World Mobile's mission is to connect the unconnected and build the first mobile network powered and run by the people. Working with leading technology partners who share our values will make us even stronger," said Micky Watkins, Founder and CEO of World Mobile.
