04 January 2024
World Mobile Group has signed a partnership agreement with Vodacom Mozambique to test the provision of internet services through aerostats in the country.
The trial began in November and will run over a predetermined period to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of the aerostat technology in real-world scenarios. As part of the collaboration, Vodacom Mozambique is providing World Mobile with the necessary telecoms spectrum as well as other vital resources.
The company launched its blockchain-based commercial telecommunications network in Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago in May 2023. In December 2021, it had already launched its internet balloons which later served as the backbone of its mobile network.
“We are delighted to unveil this initiative in Mozambique, a country where rural connectivity is crucial for economic and social development. Our aerostats could be the key to unlocking internet access for billions of people. This technology is not only cost-effective compared to existing telecommunications infrastructure, but also quick to deploy, making it ideal for remote locations,” said Micky Watkins, president and CEO of World Mobile.
Once commercially launched, this initiative is expected to help accelerate internet adoption in the country.
