Vodafone and Nokia plan 4G mobile network on the Moon

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Many places on planet earth are yet to get 4G LTE coverage, but mobile giants, Vodafone and Nokia Networks, have readied plans to set up and operate a lunar 4G mobile network in 2019. A 4G network on the moon? What for, you may ask?

According to the BBC, the lunar 4G mobile network will be used by rovers based on the moon to stream high definition video back to a base station which will beam it down to earth. A Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) or rover is a battery-powered four-wheeled vehicles that carries astronauts, their equipment, and lunar samples around on the Moon.

lunar 4G mobile network

Why We Need A Lunar 4G Mobile Network

Both manned and unmanned Moon expeditions collect lots of scientific data, including high resolution video and photos, that needs to be transmitted. A 4G mobile network on the moon means less demand on a rover, freeing its power up for its primary task as a means of transportation.

It also means that astronauts can move around as far about as necessary without worrying about getting disconnected. Sending these heavy data directly from a rover to earth requires much power.

Once in place, HD videos can also be streamed live from the moon.

Many Things We Enjoy Today Came From Space Technology

To the casual observer, investing in space expeditions might seem like a waste of money. Many cities on earth are still yet to experience 4G technology after all. Why go all the way to space? But space technology and research has brought many benefits to life on earth in areas like agriculture, medicine and even mobile technology.

So, it isn’t exactly wasteful spending. Here is a video from the British Broadcasting Corporation website:

After the moon, perhaps up next is Mars. Who knows? J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter might be waiting in the wings to welcome us, and probably also relocate to earth.
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Mister Mobility

Vodafone and Nokia plan 4G mobile network on the Moon 2


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