World Mobile has unveiled a plan to use hydrogen-powered drones to deliver blockchain-enabled 5G connectivity across the globe. Partnering with Indonesian telecom giant Protelindo, the company’s new “World Mobile Stratospheric” project aims to fill coverage gaps left by traditional networks, targeting both rural and underserved regions.

The drones, each with a 56-meter wingspan and weighing four tons, will fly at 60,000 feet in the stratosphere, staying airborne for up to nine days before landing for refueling. Capable of covering up to 15,000 square kilometers per aircraft with 450 precision-guided beams, the system boasts just 6 milliseconds of latency—delivering internet speeds up to 18 times cheaper per gigabyte than satellite-based alternatives.

World Mobile’s approach builds on its existing decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), which blends traditional telecom systems with community-powered nodes to eliminate dead zones. The company is tapping into the $98.3 billion aerial and satellite communications market, positioning itself as a low-cost, high-performance alternative.

However, the project faces significant technical and regulatory hurdles. The drones must be ultra-light yet durable enough to withstand atmospheric conditions, cosmic radiation, and intense heat from the sun. Regulatory approval from aviation authorities such as the FAA and EASA will be critical, as will meeting safety and performance standards for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Competition is fierce. Helium Mobile is developing a decentralized wireless protocol in partnership with major carriers like AT&T, while Elon Musk’s Starlink continues expanding its satellite internet network. According to World Mobile, Starlink is best suited for remote, low-density areas, while its drone-based solution targets regions with higher concentrations of mobile users—without the need for dedicated satellite hardware.

If successful, World Mobile’s high-altitude 5G drones could reshape the future of affordable, decentralized global connectivity.