SoftBank aims to create a world where connectivity is available anytime and anywhere by integrating terrestrial mobile networks with non-terrestrial networks (NTN), which utilize satellites and stratospheric communication platforms (HAPS: High Altitude Platform Station).
Powered by the Information Revolution, we will break down all barriers and bring innovation to people and businesses around the world. This is SoftBank's vision for UTX (Ubiquitous Transformation).
By offering solutions with distinct characteristics, we provide the optimal communication environment for every use case.
Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication Service
High-speed, high-capacity satellite
communications service
Eutelsat OneWeb operates its communication services with satellites in 12 polar orbits at an altitude of 1,200 km. By deploying numerous satellites in low Earth orbit, which is closer to the Earth than geostationary satellites, it achieves high-speed communication with a downlink of up to 195 Mbps and an uplink of up to 32 Mbps, and low latency that is about one-tenth that of geostationary satellites. Additionally, a bandwidth guarantee service ensures specified communication speeds to deliver more stable communications.
Low Earth Orbit Satellite Internet Service
Providing high-speed and low-latency data communication
Starlink Business offers a high-speed, low-latency satellite Internet connectivity service
(up to 220 Mbps (downlink) and up to 25 Mbps (uplink)*) via satellites in low Earth orbit at
an altitude of 550km.
[Note]
* Data communication is provided on a best effort basis, so actual data transmission speeds may vary.
Communication may be interrupted due to weather conditions such as rain and snow.
Stratospheric Platforms
HAPS are unmanned aerial vehicles stationed in the stratosphere at an altitude of 20 km providing communication services to the ground. HAPS-based communication services do not require special dedicated devices. Since HAPS uses the same frequencies as terrestrial communications, they can directly communicate with mobile devices such as the smartphones we use every day.
Lighter Than Air HAPS System
Rapid Communication Restoration During Disasters
We have partnered with the US-based company Sceye Inc. to bring HAPS services to Japan. Sceye’s Lighter Than Air (LTA) HAPS system uses buoyancy to stay airborne. During disasters, for isolated areas which are difficult to access, HAPS can be deployed to a disaster-struck area and remain aloft above an area for extended periods of time to provide emergency communication services.
Fixed-wing HAPS Aircraft Equipped with Solar Panels
Area Coverage with High-Quality Communication
By utilizing batteries and solar power, this aircraft will reduce environmental impact, excel in flight performance, and maintain stable stationary airborne capabilities. Moving forward, we aim to expand our business globally, focusing on countries near the equator where communication connectivity is difficult.
Cubic³, a SoftBank group company, is a leading solution provider for software-defined vehicles (SDV) that offers a global connectivity management platform and connected services.
SoftBank and Cubic³ have partnered to advance the seamless integration of satellite-based NTN with terrestrial networks to create a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ for connected vehicles.
Through also collaborating with major satellite communications providers, SoftBank and Cubic³ will advance the commercial deployment of a ‘Ubiquitous Network’ within the next few years.
Further details on this solution
are available in the eBook.
We are accepting inquiries regarding our “Ubiquitous Transformation.”
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