What is the Avealto Project?
Avealto is a UK-registered company, founded back in 2013, with a bold mission: to bring the internet to over 1 billion people who remain unconnected. How? By leveraging a high altitude telecoms platform that operates way up in the stratosphere—around 18 to 20 kilometers above the Earth. These aren’t your typical drones or balloons; Avealto’s Wireless Infrastructure Platform (WIP) airships are designed to provide low-cost, high-quality telecom capacity to remote and underserved regions. Each WIP vehicle can support multiple 4G and 5G cell sites, WISP sites, VSAT sites, and maritime services, covering a massive 240 km diameter area. And here’s the kicker—they stay stationary relative to the Earth, powered sustainably by solar energy, which means ground terminals use way less power compared to satellite connections. It’s a clever bridge between terrestrial networks and satellites, aiming to close the digital divide once and for all.
Main Benefits of Avealto’s Approach
So, what makes Avealto’s technology stand out? Let’s break down some key figures and facts that highlight its competitive edge:
- ~50 times lower capital expenditure (capex) than traditional satellite systems
- ~10 times lower cost per gigabit per second (Gbps) for consumers
- ~10 times lower latency, meaning faster and more responsive connections
- Quick deployments and upgrades, making it agile and adaptable
- Operates at 18-20 km altitude, covering a 240 km diameter area
- Uses sustainable solar power, reducing environmental impact
- Targets a current market worth over US$25 billion, with a future market exceeding US$150 billion
Development Journey and R&D Milestones
Avealto’s journey hasn’t been a sprint—it’s been a marathon of innovation and persistence. Since its incorporation in 2013, the company has spent over nine years in research and development, all while working with limited capital. From 2015 to 2018, the focus was on technology development, including successful test flights of 8-meter and 11-meter vehicles in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. They developed a Rapid Autofill System and even secured an FAA airworthiness certificate for a 28-meter test vehicle, which completed its first test flight. Between 2019 and 2021, product development ramped up with material testing, autopilot calibration, and subscale vehicle testing. By 2022, all technical barriers were resolved, paving the way for commercialisation. In 2023, the company prepared for a final subscale test flight under the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s supervision, inching closer to fabricating the full-scale commercial vehicle.
Markets Served by Avealto
Avealto’s platform isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s designed to serve multiple end-markets, each with unique needs but united by the demand for reliable, affordable connectivity:
- VSAT Operators: Enhancing satellite communications with Very Small Aperture Terminal technology.
- Mobile Operators: Delivering fixed-line broadband and wireless internet services to remote areas.
- WISP Operators: Wireless Internet Service Providers offering Wi-Fi access at designated hotspots.
- Maritime Operators: Providing communication services to cruise ships, fishing vessels, tankers, and ferries.
- Satellite Operators: Offering high-speed, bi-directional internet via GEO communications satellites.
Why Avealto’s Solution is a Game-Changer
Unlike traditional satellites that are expensive and often suffer from high latency, Avealto’s high altitude platform offers a fresh, sustainable, and scalable alternative. The use of solar power not only cuts down operational costs but also reduces the carbon footprint. Plus, the ability to quickly deploy and upgrade these airships means that connectivity can be expanded or improved without the long lead times satellites require. The result? A higher quality connection that’s more accessible and affordable for millions who’ve been left out of the digital revolution.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by developing innovative telecom infrastructure.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by providing internet access to underserved and remote populations.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – through the use of sustainable solar-powered platforms.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – enabling access to online learning resources in remote areas.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by fostering digital inclusion and new economic opportunities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Connectivity with Avealto
The future looks bright for Avealto as it nears the launch of its first generation commercial high altitude platform vehicle. With a market of over US$25 billion already established and a potential future market exceeding US$150 billion, the opportunity to connect billions more is enormous. By blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, Avealto is not just building telecom infrastructure—it’s building bridges to a more connected, inclusive world. The digital divide is vast, but with solutions like Avealto’s, that gap is finally starting to close.
