In 2026, Japan will begin testing an innovative project: the company SoftBank plans to utilize solar-powered dirigibles as "flying communication towers" for 4G and 5G networks. These airships will be capable of providing internet access to entire cities, thereby competing with satellite systems like Starlink.

Operating at an altitude of 20 kilometers, the dirigibles will be powered by solar panels, allowing them to harness energy directly from the sun and remain stationary for several months. This capability makes them significantly more practical than conventional balloons and drones.

A key advantage of these flying towers is their high signal speed, which is projected to be faster than that of satellite internet. According to expert estimations, a single dirigible could replace up to 25 traditional terrestrial towers, highlighting the project's considerable potential.

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