World's First 5G Communication from Near Stratosphere Using 38GHz Band Achieved by a Group of Japanese Tech Companies

A group of Japanese Companies including –SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, NTT DOCOMO, INC., the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), and Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Panasonic HD) have jointly announced a groundbreaking achievement — the world's first demonstration of 5G communication from an altitude of approximately 4km using the 38GHz band. This significant milestone represents a major step toward the realization of 5G communication from the stratosphere. The stratosphere extends from from 4 -12 miles (6-20 km) above the Earth's surface to around 31 miles (50 km).

A small Cessna aircraft, operated by Kyoritsu Air Survey Co., Ltd., was used to simulate the eventual deployment of High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). The Cessna was equipped with newly developed communication equipment called the "Cessna onboard station", which is expected to be deployed in HAPS. Additionally, a lens-type antenna with an auto-tracking function served as the HAPS ground station.

 

The trial established an aerial relay backhaul line between the Cessna aircraft (flying at an altitude of approximately 4km) and three ground stations. The communication link utilized the 5G New Radio (NR) standard with 38GHz band radio waves.

Notably, this approach represents a novel use of terrestrial 5G networks.

The successful demonstration achieved multiple backhaul lines consisting of aerial relays using the 5G NR standard with 38GHz band radio waves, marking a world first in telecommunication technology. With 5G evolution underway and 6G implementation on the horizon, efforts to expand coverage areas are crucial.

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) using HAPS offer promising solutions for such expansions. The results from this demonstration will accelerate the practical application of HAPS networks.

The four organizations involved in this project remain committed to continuing their joint efforts, aiming for the early delivery of 5G connectivity from the stratosphere via NTN using HAPS. This achievement is part of a project focused on wireless communication systems using HAPS, led by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

This groundbreaking achievement opens up exciting possibilities for enhanced connectivity and communication in the future.

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