World Mobile’s Drones Cover 15,000 Sq Km, 18 Times Cheaper Than Satellites

* Decentralized 5G via hydrogen-powered drones to cut costs and latency. * Blockchain-integrated network targeting underserved regions with innovative technology. On August 10, 2025, Cointelegraph reported that World Mobile partnered with Indonesian telecom company Protelindo to launch a groundbreaking decentralized 5G network. This project, named World Mobile Stratospheric, uses hydrogen-powered drones in the stratosphere and aims to transform global communication infrastructure while providing wireless connectivity to underserved areas. The stratospheric network uses unmanned drones with a 56-meter wingspan that weigh four tons each and fly at an altitude of 60,000 feet, delivering coverage across up to 15,000 square kilometers per aircraft using 450 guidable beams. Charles Barnett, Chief Business Officer of World Mobile Group, highlighted the system's advantages over satellite networks, noting that the drones reduce latency to six milliseconds and slash service costs by up to 18 times per gigabyte. This initiative is underpinned by blockchain technology, which enables a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePin) that merges traditional telecom systems with independently distributed providers. While the project promises a transformative impact, it faces several technical and logistical hurdles. For example, the hydrogen-powered drones are designed for nine-day operational cycles before requiring refueling, and their designs must be lightweight yet robust to optimize fuel efficiency and withstand atmospheric pressures. In addition, the project faces engineering challenges such as mitigating cosmic radiation exposure and extreme stratospheric temperatures. Regulatory compliance also poses a significant hurdle, as the project requires certification from aviation authorities like the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). World Mobile’s venture enters a competitive telecom landscape, with competitors including decentralized platforms like Helium Mobile, which deploys wireless nodes to extend coverage, and Elon Musk’s Starlink, which uses satellites for internet access. However, according to Barnett, World Mobile differentiates itself by targeting regions with higher densities of mobile users and providing connectivity directly to standard devices, thereby bypassing the need for specialized hardware. This strategy, combined with the network's cost efficiency and low latency, makes it an accessible, high-performance alternative.