In 2026, solar-powered drones from AALTO will fly airborne mobile communications base stations over Japan to provide network coverage and communications services in hard-to-reach areas.
AALTO Aeronets
Innovative Communications
Thanks to a $100 million investment by Japanese telecom giant NTT Docomo and partners in AALTO , the developer of the Zephyr relay drones, will launch an aerial network over Japan in 2026. These solar-powered stratospheric drones are capable of staying at an altitude of 20 km for up to 90 days, providing mobile connectivity and Earth observation services.
Solving rural problems
The Japanese government hopes that aerial networks will help bridge the digital divide in remote mountainous areas of the country. The air infrastructure will provide remote residents with access to telemedicine, distance education, online services and reliable communications in case of emergency. As the population ages and declines, such services become increasingly relevant.
Integration with the space network
The project from Space Compass involves the inclusion of AALTO stratospheric drones in a single “Space Integrated Computing Network” from NTT. Thus, drones will become part of a larger infrastructure, along with satellites, to provide full coverage of Japan.
Glossary
- AALTO - subsidiary of Airbus, manufacturer of drones Zephyr HAPS
- Zephyr HAPS - drone with a solar-powered fixed wing for operation in the stratosphere
- NTT Docomo - Japanese mobile operator, main investor of the project
- Space Compass - space company, AALTO partner in integration of drones into the network
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Answers to questions
What is Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology ) and what opportunities does it provide?
Which companies are involved in the project to create air base stations over Japan and what are their roles?
What benefits are expected from the introduction of airborne base stations in Japan?
How has HAPS technology evolved since its development?
How are AALTO, Space Compass and NTT related to each other in this project?
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Discussion of the topic – Airborne mobile base stations: a new stage in Japan coverage
Japan will have flying mobile base stations by 2026, providing unprecedented coverage in hard-to-reach regions. This will be possible thanks to a $100 million investment from a consortium led by NTT Docomo in AALTO, the manufacturer of the Zephyr drone.
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Иван
Airborne mobile networks will make communication services available in remote areas of Japan 🗾! And it will help bridge the digital divide. Very interesting initiative 👍
Анна
Yes, I agree! This is an innovative solution for rural areas. Imagine, now even in the mountains you can get high-quality communication 📶
Джон
Great news for travel lovers! Finally, it will be possible to post selfies directly from the wilderness 😄 Although, of course, the main thing is that this will help ensure communication in emergency situations.
Мария
It's great that Japan has found such an elegant solution to the communication coverage problem! 🙌 Drones in the stratosphere - that sounds cool. I wonder how difficult it is technically?
Карл
Ugh, again some unnecessary fashionable things 😒 Young people are always chasing new products. In my time everything was much simpler and more reliable...
Анна
Karl, technology does not stand still, and that’s wonderful! Innovation makes life better. Would you like to be left without communication in an emergency?
Пьер
I heard that such drones can stay at an altitude of about 20 km for several months 😮 I wonder how they manage to stay at altitude for so long?
София
This is thanks to solar panels and a very efficient aerodynamic design! 🔋☀️✈️ I would love to work on projects like this in the future.