World Mobile, the first mobile network built on blockchain powered and run by the people, has announced a partnership with Atlas LTA Advanced Technology (Atlas) which will secure the provision of aerostats (tethered balloon platforms) to connect the unconnected.

As part of its hybrid network, World Mobile plans to launch the aerostats across Africa to deliver on its mission to connect the unconnected and provide connectivity to hundreds of millions of people. Starting in Zanzibar in Q3 this year, the Atlas aerostats will help deliver nearly 100% connectivity to the island. Following Zanzibar, World Mobile plans to launch in Tanzania mainland and Kenya followed by a roll out across Africa and the world. Each aerostat will connect over one hundred thousand subscribers, each with their own blockchain wallet on World Mobile. World Mobile aims to deploy thousands of aerostats across the continent.

Its partnership with Atlas LTA Advanced Technology is World Mobile’s second aerostat partner. In December last year, it announced its first partnership with the US firm Altaeros. Both partnerships will play an integral role in helping World Mobile to deliver on its mission.

For the last 30 years Atlas has grown a formidable team of aerospace system engineers. They have designed, built, and operated all kinds of aerial vehicles filled by the lighter-than-air gases: helium or patented safe hydrogen. Among the vehicles, there are over 200 tethered aerostats that have been used for private and enterprise communication networks in 14 countries.

Atlas’ aerostats are tethered at heights of up to 1,500 metres, and these flying “towers” significantly expand the range of telecom equipment they hold, delivering a coverage area of up to 50-75km radius. They can stay up in the air for weeks using only lighter-than-air (LTA) gas buoyancy. They are fixed to the ground by integrated tethers, which include light and strong yarns, wires for electric power supply and fibreoptic lines for high-speed data transfer. 
Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile said: “World Mobile is on a mission to connect the unconnected and build the first mobile network powered and run by the people. Working with an innovative and expert partner like Atlas, who share our values, will make us stronger."

Gennadiy Verba, President and CEO of Atlas LTA Advanced Technology, said: “Our international team includes some of the most experienced professionals in our market, so we are able to offer innovative concepts that are based on our experience and latest materials and technologies. We are delighted to be using this to partner with World Mobile in its aim to deliver truly innovative and life changing solutions to bring connectivity to everyone, wherever they are in the world.”

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