Revolutionising Disaster Relief Communications: Stratospheric Platforms Unveils Airborne 5G Connectivity.
A Game-Changer in Emergency Communications.
Stratospheric Platforms has taken a monumental step in disaster relief and emergency communications by developing a cutting-edge airborne 5G/LTE platform.
Recognising the catastrophic impact of the “simultaneous loss of all fixed and mobile communication”, whether due to natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or cyber threats, the company has modified a Britten-Norman (B-N) Islander aircraft to serve as a technology demonstrator for airborne 5G/LTE direct-to-device (D2D) communications.
This pioneering system delivers high-speed, broadband-equivalent connectivity without reliance on traditional mobile towers or fibre networks, providing critical voice, video, and data services at speeds of up to 220Mbps.
Stratospheric Coverage for Disaster Relief
Building upon this groundbreaking demonstrator, Stratomast, a larger airborne platform, is set to provide commercial D2D high-bandwidth broadband services from the stratosphere, covering a staggering 15,000km²—an area equivalent to nearly 500 mobile towers. This revolutionary technology is attracting interest from governments and mobile network operators, who see its immediate potential in reinforcing Emergency Services Networks (ESN) to ensure uninterrupted connectivity in crisis situations.
Overcoming Current Communication Challenges
Governments globally recognise the urgency of resilient communication solutions, as outlined in the UK National Risk Register (HM Government, 2023). Current backup strategies include:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites – Limited bandwidth and signal disruption due to adverse weather conditions.
- Mobile ‘Cells on Wheels’ (COWS) – Provide better bandwidth but are constrained by range, terrain, and deployment logistics.
The SPL airborne 5G communications platform outperforms both COWS and LEO satellites by combining wide coverage, high-speed connectivity, and rapid deployability.
Unmatched Performance & Resilience
Stratospheric Platforms’ revolutionary antenna technology is setting new standards for emergency communication resilience. Unlike conventional ground-based antennas and satellites, this airborne system is unaffected by terrain, infrastructure damage, or atmospheric interference.
Key benefits of the SPL airborne 5G communications platform include:
- Coverage surpassing 20 mobile COWS in disaster-stricken areas.
- Double the data speeds compared to existing terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems.
- Performance validated through successful testing with BT, ensuring reliable high-speed D2D connectivity in emergency scenarios.
Delivering Critical Connectivity When It’s Needed Most
The SPL airborne 5G communications solution is designed to provide world-leading disaster response capabilities across three key phases:
- Preparedness – Ensuring emergency response teams have rapid deployment solutions in place.
- Response – Delivering instant, high-speed communications to first responders and affected communities.
- Recovery – Providing long-term, scalable connectivity solutions while terrestrial infrastructure is restored.
This innovative platform marks a step-change in disaster relief communications, offering unparalleled resilience, rapid deployment, and high-speed connectivity. Governments and emergency response organisations now have access to a transformative airborne 5G solution, ensuring that no crisis leaves communities disconnected.
For media enquiries, partnerships, or further information, please contact: info@stratosphericplatforms.com