After successful tests in California earlier this month, the system is ready to go into commercial service, according to Platforms Wireless International's president Robert Perry. ARC supports leading wireless protocols, such as TDMA, CDMA, GMS, and 2.5G and 3G services. At an altitude of 15,000 feet, each airship covers an area 140 miles in diameter say from north Los Angeles to south San Diego and can support up to 250,000 users. Once launched, they stay aloft for up to a month before being hauled down for maintenance. Sophisticated system diagnostic tools provide real-time information on the performance of each component of the system equipment, connections, and signal.
Ground crews can continuously monitor and manage all performance parameters.
Airspace around the blimps is restricted. Until now, the options were limited to either satellite systems or multiple fixed ground tower antenna structures, both of which are costly and time-consuming to deploy. Martin estimates the system can provide cellular and wireless service for about half the cost of any ground-based tower infrastructure. ARC technology is designed to meet the needs of emerging countries, and Platforms Wireless sees for itself a role in connecting them to the technology superhighway. Meanwhile, preliminary discussions are underway that may lead to ARC service in this country, a company spokesperson told eChips.