Skip to main content

GSMA's 'High Altitude Platform Systems: Towers in the Skies' Whitepaper

GSMA together with some mobile network operators recently published a white paper to promote the use of High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) technology to meet the need for broadband connectivity worldwide. We have covered HAPS multiple times in our blog posts. They are unmanned aircrafts that fly typically at altitudes of around 20km. 

The description of the paper says:

Operating in the stratosphere, unmanned high-altitude platforms (HAPS) could bring connectivity to areas that are either not covered, or are only partially covered, by terrestrial cellular networks.

This whitepaper highlights the potential of HAPS to meet the need for more broadband connectivity worldwide. HAPS are very versatile: they can be adjusted to prioritise coverage or capacity depending on the use case. Moreover, an aircraft can be deployed to cover a location at short notice. As HAPS can employ LTE and 5G, there are no special requirements on the user equipment: a normal smartphone can be used. As a result, HAPS can support a variety of use cases for both developed and developing markets, including:

  • Greenfield coverage – providing coverage in areas with no cellular networks
  • White spot reduction – filling in gaps in cellular coverage
  • Emergency communications/disaster recovery – backing up damaged terrestrial networks
  • The Internet of Things (IoT) – connecting sensors, appliances, machines and vehicles
  • Temporary coverage for events/tourist hotspots – adding extra capacity in specific locations
  • Fixed wireless access – a broadband alternative to deploying fixed lines
  • Connectivity for urban air mobility and drones – providing better connectivity in the air
  • Private networks – enabling organisations to deploy their own cellular connectivity
  • Terrestrial site backhaul – connecting base stations and edge data centres to the Internet

The white paper has been created thanks to the following contributing mobile operators: Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone; and supporting mobile operators: NTT Docomo, BT and TIM.

The whitepaper is available here.

Related Posts: 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Highlights from XGMF's Conference to Advance Millimetre Wave Technology

On April 1, 2024, two of Japan's leading connectivity organizations—the 5G Mobile Promotion Forum (5GMF) and the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium (B5GPC)—joined forces to create the XG Mobile Promotion Forum ( XGMF ). This merger symbolizes a pivotal step in accelerating the adoption of next-generation wireless technologies. In May 2024, XGMF's Millimeter Wave Promotion Ad Hoc (Millimeter Wave AH) hosted the International Workshop on Millimeter Wave Dissemination for 5G. This event aimed to foster the adoption of millimeter wave (mmWave) technology in Japan and beyond, drawing an audience of approximately 200 attendees and broadcasting in both English and Japanese. The workshop featured opening remarks by Mr. Naohiko Ogiwara, Director of the Radio Department, Telecommunications Infrastructure Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). Key speakers included: Mr. Takanori Mashiko (MIC, slides ) Mr. Sam Gielges (Qualcomm, online - no slides) Mr. Christopher Pric...
Post a Comment
Read more

How Do Apple AirTags Work?

Apple AirTags have steadily gained popularity in the smart tag market. A recent report highlighted that 69% of smart tag buyers in late 2024 chose an Apple AirTag. This marks a significant rise from 45% in early 2022. In contrast, Tile, the category pioneer now owned by Life360, has seen its market share fall to 11% from 17% during the same period. Samsung's Galaxy SmartTags now hold second place. Interestingly, the technology behind AirTags resembles concepts like Opportunity Driven Multiple Access (ODMA) or Multihop Cellular Networks (MCNs), which I have previously explored . A similar approach has also been discussed regarding Bluetooth-based Ad-Hoc networks . How Do They Work? AirTags primarily use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with nearby Apple devices that are part of the Find My network. This vast network consists of millions of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, which can detect AirTags and securely relay their location back to the owner. Addit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Seamless 5G Connectivity Across Germany on Deutsche Bahn

Rail passengers today take uninterrupted mobile and data connections for granted as much as a smooth journey. Meeting these expectations demands close collaboration between train operators and mobile network providers to deliver consistent coverage along thousands of kilometres of track. Deutsche Bahn’s comprehensive approach to connectivity weaves together network expansion, onboard innovations and the latest digital standards to ensure passengers stay connected from station to station. Since 2021 Deutsche Bahn has been working with Deutsche Telekom to blanket its main lines with high-performance mobile coverage. By supplying speeds of more than 200 Mbit/s on nearly all key routes the partnership reached its original targets two years ahead of schedule. Today passengers enjoy at least 200 Mbit/s on 99 per cent of the 7 800 kilometres of main lines and even 300 Mbit/s or more on 95 per cent. Secondary lines also saw a transformation. Coverage of 100 Mbit/s rose from under 83 per cent ...
Post a Comment
Read more