AALTO, a pioneering force in the field of mobile connectivity, is making waves at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Africa event in Kigali, an initiative that has been officiated by President Paul Kagame the second time in Kigali on October 17, 2023.
Jeff Smith, the head of Mobile Connectivity at AALTO, shared insights into the remarkable strides they are taking to bring connectivity to remote areas and ensure unhindered internet access.
AALTO’s approach to connectivity is nothing short of revolutionary, and Jeff Smith provided an intriguing look into the future of this technology. He emphasized the flexibility and adaptability of their solutions, making them suitable for deployment for both short-term and long-term needs.
“We can be very flexible, so we can be deployed for as short or as long as is required, and then we can move to a new area and offer services. So there’s a huge amount of flexibility.” Jeff said.
What sets AALTO apart is their utilization of High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), specifically the Zephyr.
Smith elaborated on this innovative aircraft, explaining that it is a solar-powered drone flying in the stratosphere, just 20 kilometers above Earth. The benefit of this approach is a significantly reduced latency in connection compared to existing satellite technology.
“This development is now in the final stages of prototype development and is set to offer a multitude of services.” Smith explained.
AALTO’s primary mission at MWC Africa is to engage with mobile network operators to introduce low-cost alternative connectivity to remote rural areas.
These areas often struggle to establish traditional communication infrastructure due to challenging terrain and cost. The Zephyr’s ability to deliver connectivity directly to devices, regardless of the geographical challenges, promises to bridge the digital divide and bring internet access to billions of people worldwide.
Smith further stressed the importance of providing temporary coverage in the event of disasters, unrest, or where security concerns hinder the installation of ground-based equipment. AALTO’s high-altitude solutions can quickly step in to offer the connectivity needed during such critical times.
The age of stratospheric connectivity, as championed by AALTO, aims to connect anything, anywhere, with a particular focus on green technology. They strive to demonstrate respect for the planet and future generations, making their solutions not only revolutionary but also environmentally conscious.
AALTO’s Zephyr, described as the most persistent fixed-wing High Altitude Platform Station on the planet, is truly leading the world into The Stratospheric Age.
This new era of connectivity promises enhanced Earth observation capabilities, day and night, with near-real-time video and imagery. It guarantees seamless access to the internet in even the most challenging terrains and inaccessible regions, ushering in innovative solutions for governments and addressing old challenges in pioneering ways.
In the age of AALTO’s Zephyr, flexibility, scalability, and adaptability make connectivity accessible to everyone, heralding a promising future for connectivity in Africa and around the world.
