In a recent interview with Softbank, Tara Neal, Executive Editor of The Fast Mode spoke to Hidebumi Kitahara, the Vice President and Head of Service Planning from the Technology Division at Softbank Corp. and the Director and Senior Vice President of the Global Business Promotion Division at HAPSMobile Inc.
Tara: What is driving High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS)-based connectivity? Apart from 4G and 5G, what other services does it power?
Hidebumi Kitahara(Note: SoftBank Corp., HAPSMobile and the HAPS Alliance defines HAPS as “High Altitude Platform Stations” and prefers to use that term)
Hidebumi: HAPS can meet the need for broadband connectivity in areas that are difficult to cover using traditional terrestrial base stations. Since HAPS uses the same spectrum as mobile phones, there are no special requirements on the part of an end user. That means a normal smartphone can be used.
HAPS will be useful for providing network coverage in areas where there are no wireless networks, such as rural areas and remote islands. HAPS can also complement existing terrestrial wireless networks by filling in gaps of coverage. When a terrestrial network becomes non-operational due to a natural disaster or some other type of emergency, HAPS can be deployed as a backup.
Beyond people, HAPS will be crucial in providing IoT connectivity for connected cars, drones, construction equipment, sensors and other things. Based in the stratosphere at 20km above the earth, HAPS is also ideal for providing sky-based connectivity to delivery drones and flying taxis.
Tara: What are some of the current technology-related challenges faced by operators in providing HAPS-based mobile services?
Hidebumi: SoftBank Corp. and its subsidiary HAPSMobile Inc. are developing “Sunglider,” a solar-powered fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system. We have made great progress so far witha successful stratospheric test flight and an LTE communication test achieved in 2020. We have proven the technology and concept works. Going forward, we are addressing technology-related challenges that include: further developing the aircraft for air worthiness and so Sunglider can withstand the harsh conditions of the stratosphere, increasing the efficiencies of the solar panel and batteries to enable longer flight times, and further developing the communications payload. We are actively engaged in research and development to address these challenges.
Tara: How about the business and commercial viability of HAPS based mobile services?
Hidebumi: Over the long term–in which we envision a 6G world where all people and things will be connected, and there will be demand for drones, connected cars and other IoT applications–we expect to see a large market that offers major business opportunities.
Tara: Can you share SoftBank/HAPSmobile's plans to launch low-cost HAPS-based 4G/5G services to unconnected and rural communities?
Hidebumi: We are aiming to launch full-fledged commercial services in 2027. We initially expect to launch services in markets outside Japan to provide telecommunications connectivity to underserved regions.
Tara: Do you believe that with the current HAPS technology, it will be possible to provide stable and high-quality connectivity from the stratosphere for future commercial services?
Hidebumi: Yes, SoftBank Corp. is approaching the HAPS business from the perspective of a mobile network operator, and as such, stable and high-quality connectivity is critical. We are conducting R&D in these areas. For example, we developed a cylindrical antenna and rotating connector.
Tara: What are some of the advantages of HAPS compared to LEO and GEO based services in the non-terrestrial domain?
Hidebumi: SoftBank Corp. is promoting its NTN solutions, which include HAPS, LEO-based services from OneWeb and GEO-based services from Skylo. Each solution has its own unique advantages and application areas. Our aim is to provide optimal solutions based on the needs of our customers.
HAPS advantages include its being LTE (4G) / 5G ready, faster speeds, lower latency and greater capacity versus satellite communications. Another advantage is that the end user does not require special equipment or devices since HAPS uses the same service spectrum as terrestrial base stations. As such, HAPS is optimal for smartphone connectivity, and for drone/IoT applications that have high speed requirements.
Tara: Can you share some of the industry collaboration in developing HAPS-based services.
Hidebumi: The HAPS Alliance, an industry association, of which SoftBank Corp. and HAPSMobile are founding members, is working to promote the adoption of HAPS. Members are working collectively to build a HAPS industry ecosystem by building awareness for the advantages of HAPS. They are also working with the relevant authorities in various countries on spectrum allocation, flight approvals and aircraft certification. Members are also collaborating on product standardization, network interoperability and other common issues facing the industry.
