World Mobile, a mobile network operator, built on blockchain, has announced the launch of its hybrid mobile network, supported by low-altitude platform balloons in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The balloon-based platform, remotely controlled and powered by solar panels, will deliver affordable connectivity in the region through its AirNodes and aerostats. This project is a development of a USD 40 million funding raise to enable access to the digital economy for over a million customers by the end of 2023.
This project is described as the first step in World Mobile’s mission to help bring nearly four billion people online before 2030 following UN and World Bank’s SDGs data from the United Nations, which shows almost half the world’s population, 3.7 billion people; the majority of which are women, and most in developing countries, are still offline.
According to Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile, the company intends to help create a world where everyone can access affordable connectivity and economic freedom, and people can harness the opportunities that the internet creates. For the CEO, “Zanzibar will become the world’s first smart region powered by World Mobile, connecting businesses, schools and society as a whole”.
In addition, the company intends to expand affordable connectivity and reliable mobile internet to rural and urban areas across Africa. It is in talks with stakeholders in Mozambique, Kenya, Nigeria and other regions unreachable by traditional network operators.
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