A Portuguese company is using solar-powered SkyOrbiter drones to provide Internet access to pockets of the world that don't currently have access to the World Wide Web. The drones will stay airborne for long periods of time -- weeks, months or even years -- and will fly at altitudes of up to 22,000 meters.
These SkyOrbiter drones will be able to transmit signals via LTE or WiFi on unlicensed spectrums or via WiFi, LTE, 3G or 2G via carriers on the licensed spectrum.
While many people associate drones with unpleasant things such as war, the SkyOrbiter project shows that drones can be a force for good and social change. This project may well herald a sea change in Internet access, driving education, flow of information and development in underdeveloped parts of the world.
Internet-Providing Drones
The SkyOrbiter Drones Will Fly For Months and Years At a Time
Trend Themes
1. Solar-powered Drones - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Companies can develop solar-powered drones to provide Internet access to underserved areas and drive social impact.
2. Persistent Airborne Connectivity - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating drones that can stay airborne for long periods of time can revolutionize Internet access in remote regions and enable continuous connectivity.
3. Unlicensed Spectrum Communication - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging unlicensed spectrums for drone communication can expand Internet coverage and bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Telecommunication companies can explore the use of drones to extend their coverage and provide Internet access in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Aerospace - Disruptive innovation opportunity: The aerospace industry can focus on developing advanced drone technologies to enable persistent airborne connectivity and expand the possibilities of Internet access.
3. Education Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: The education technology sector can leverage solar-powered drones to bring educational resources and online learning to remote regions, fostering development and knowledge sharing.