SoftBank Completes Successful Trial of Six-Cell Payload for HAPS Technology

What's Happening?

SoftBank has announced the successful completion of a field trial for its newly developed six-cell-capable communications payload designed for High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)-based wireless communications. The trial, conducted on Hachijō Island in Tokyo, demonstrated the payload's ability to provide stable 5G connectivity from the sky. The technology involves launching high-altitude aircraft into the stratosphere to serve as 'basestations in the sky,' offering wide-area communications coverage. The payload integrates equipment for service and feeder links, enabling it to deliver 5G connectivity during the trial. SoftBank plans to enhance the payload's capacity and implement it in future HAPS commercial services.

Why It's Important?

The successful trial of SoftBank's HAPS technology represents a significant advancement in bridging connectivity gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas. By providing stable 5G connectivity from high altitudes, this technology can offer a solution to the lack of internet access faced by approximately 3.4 billion people globally. The ability to maintain communication even at the edge of coverage areas highlights the potential for HAPS to serve as a reliable backup during network disruptions caused by natural disasters. This development could lead to improved internet access and communication infrastructure, benefiting underserved regions and enhancing disaster response capabilities.

What's Next?

SoftBank plans to launch pre-commercial HAPS services in Japan by 2026, utilizing lighter-than-air craft developed in partnership with US-based Sceye. The company aims to further improve the payload's capacity and integrate it into commercial services. Initially, HAPS services will act as a backup for traditional networks during large-scale disasters and provide connectivity to areas unreachable by terrestrial networks. SoftBank's continued investment in HAPS technology indicates a commitment to expanding its capabilities and addressing global connectivity challenges.