Moon to get 4G network by 2019, thanks to Nokia, Vodafone and others

If you are an astronaut but also a mobile phone and internet addict, Nokia and Vodafone have just the perfect solution for you, as they are setting up moon’s very own 4G network.

It was announced on Tuesday that firms including Nokia, Vodafone Germany, Audi and Germany-based PTScientists are collaborating together to manufacture a device through which astronauts will be offered 4G internet on the moon, a project they call ‘Mission to the Moon’.

Nokia said that through Nokia Bell Labs, the 4G network device would be created via a technology called ‘Ultra Compact Network’, weighing less than 1kg, as much as a bag of sugar does.

The device would not be able to provide as fast speed as our normal days Wi-Fi devices do but, it would be able to help them stay connected over larger distances. As Mashable reports, two Audi lunar Quattro rovers will be sent to the moon and the device would let them communicate directly with Earth. They will be able to transfer scientific data and HD videos that they capture.

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Vodafone Germany Chief Executive, Hannes Ametsreiter said, “This project involves a radically innovative approach to the development of mobile network infrastructure.”

What’s more interesting it that the 4G device is not even far away to becoming a reality. It will be launched to the moon by next year aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. PTScientists CEO, Robert Böhme stated, “This is a crucial first step for sustainable exploration of the solar system. In order for humanity to leave the cradle of Earth, we need to develop infrastructures beyond our home planet.”

Nokia chief technology officer and Nokia Bell Labs president, Marcus Weldon said in the press release, “We are very pleased to have been selected by Vodafone to be their technology partner. This important mission is supporting, among other things, the development of new space-grade technologies for future data networking, processing and storage, and will help advance the communications infrastructure required for academics, industry and educational institutions in conducting lunar research.”