NTT Docomo Set to Launch World’s First ‘Flying Base Station’ Communication Service by 2026

NTT Docomo has declared its intention to commercialize an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based ‘flying base station’ communication service in Japan by 2026, marking a world-first in the industry. This innovative service is anticipated to be particularly beneficial in disaster-affected regions.

According to the announcement, NTT Docomo, in collaboration with Airbus’s subsidiary and other partners, will commercialize the communication service using ‘HAPS’—High Altitude Platform Stations. These UAVs, equipped with communication devices, will operate in the stratosphere at an altitude of approximately 20,000 meters, powered by solar energy. Capable of long-duration flights, a single HAPS unit can cover a diameter of 100 kilometers, even in the absence of ground-based stations, hence the moniker ‘flying base station’.

The service is expected to be utilized in scenarios where ground stations are rendered inoperative due to disasters or in mountainous regions where station installation is challenging. The commercialization of this service will be a global first. NTT’s President Akira Shimada, in a press conference, stated that field tests are scheduled for the fiscal year 2024. He emphasized the significance of HAPS, highlighting its ability to cover vast areas instantaneously, thus providing a crucial and effective service

Telecommunication companies are accelerating the development of communication infrastructures that do not rely on ground-based stations. SoftBank is also aiming to commercialize ‘HAPS’, while KDDI and Rakuten Mobile are each striving to commercialize communication services that directly link smartphones and satellites

This move towards stratospheric communication platforms represents a significant leap forward in ensuring connectivity in the most challenging environments, showcasing Japan’s leadership in telecommunications innovation.

Source: NTT Docomo press release