ITACA: Mobile Telecommunications for Alpine Areas

The ITACA (Lighter-than-Air Mobile Telecommunications Infrastructure for the Alpine Contex), financed by iNEST – Interconnected Nord-Est Innovation Ecosystem project aims to develop a mobile telecommunications system installed on a blimp, designed by MAVTech s.r.l. in collaboration with XOVERY, an initiative promoted by CIM4.0 – Competence Center.

The system is designed to operate in emergency or civil protection scenarios, for example in the aftermath of natural disasters. It can also be deployed in areas — especially mountainous ones — that are not served by existing telecommunications infrastructure, providing access to advanced technologies such as 5G. Its integration was tested using the 5G router developed by Gruppo FOS and installed on board to ensure connectivity even in remote locations not covered by traditional networks.

First Flight Test – July 18, Ala di Stura (Turin)

After months of research, design, and development, the first operational test of the blimp took place on Thursday, July 18 at 1,000 meters above sea level, in the mountain town of Ala di Stura, in the province of Turin.

Second Flight Test – September 25, Cortaccia (BZ)

Third Flight Test – October 11, Malga Ciapela (BL)

The third and final flight test was conducted during the Pilot Day organized by the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps of Belluno, held in Malga Ciapela (Belluno), which was also attended by INEST coordinator Daniele Cortolezzis.

These flights mark a concrete first step toward innovative and mobile telecommunications solutions, designed to respond quickly and flexibly in critical situations or geographically isolated locations.