The operator MTS has deployed a "flying tower" for the first time in Russia — a base station on an aerostat. The pilot project was launched in Volsk, Saratov Region, to cover territories without ground infrastructure.
The aerostat is fixed at a height of about 300 m, it operates in the LTE 2100 MHz standard. The station provides communication within a radius of up to 10 km with a speed of up to 30 Mbit/s. The radio module is controlled from the ground via an optical cable, which reduces the load on the air platform.
The main advantage is the speed of deployment and the absence of capital construction. Unlike classic towers, the aerostat does not require a foundation, land, and lengthy construction approvals, explained Anastasia Bidzhelova, Director of Development and Operation of Communication Services at the Telecom Exchange.
It can operate for up to 45 days in arctic conditions and withstand wind speeds of up to 42 m/s. At the same time, the cost of the platform is 30–50 million rubles, excluding equipment.
