The deployment of stratospheric 5G communication platforms may begin in Russia in 2027. They could become an alternative to space systems like Starlink, according to Yan Chibisov, Head of the Center for Aviation and Space Technologies at the Foundation for Advanced Research (FPI).
We plan to test 5G equipment on the already created platform next year. So far, this is a single instance, but even one stratostat with a set of equipment can provide communication for monitoring and controlling a certain number of drones. Or, for example, provide communication for a geological party. If the tests are successful in 2026, then the deployment of stratospheric platforms may begin in 2027.
FPI is working with one of the leading mobile operators, which is interested in creating such local service areas, mainly in sparsely populated areas. This will provide access to high-speed internet and improve the quality of communication in regions where traditional connection methods may not be effective enough.
We are solving two tasks at once - on the one hand, testing 5G space equipment, since conditions in the stratosphere are not much different from space. On the other hand, a platform with such equipment will immediately be a useful object.
Earlier www1.ru reported that the Russian Starlink for 116 billion rubles and the fight against cybercrime will become the main goals of the Ministry of Digital Development.
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