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Japanese companies invest in new mobile base stations
Japanese companies have announced a joint Airbus AALTO investment project. This will see the country constructing next-generation mobile phone base stations.
Local telecoms company NTT DoCoMo is a major investor in the project. Other partners include Mizuho Bank and Space Compass. Together, the partners invested US$100 million in AALTO, a manufacturer of Zephyr space stations. These unmanned, solar-powered vehicles provide mobile communications and various ground services.
Features of the technology
AALTO has been developing the technology for 20 years, during which time there have been significant improvements. Initially, the satellites could stay in the stratosphere for about 6 hours at 9,000 metres. Now, they can go up to 20,000 metres and remain there for 90 days.
The company’s representatives noted that the company’s funding from Japanese partners is extremely important. It will allow them to:
- increase the number of mobile networks served;
- reduce network maintenance problems and delays;
- provide comprehensive service to Japan’s disaster reporting system.
According to Space Compass, the mobile communications space stations will improve connectivity. This is especially true in the country’s inaccessible terrain and mountainous areas. The mobile network often needs help operating, and in some places, it is non-existent.
The Zephyr satellite is due for launch in 2026. The aim is for 5G communications to have minimal latency. The companies hope that the satellite’s capabilities will allow them to expand the list of services offered by local mobile operators in the future.
Air station capabilities
Another reason for using AALTO’s mobile stations is to support the country’s rural population. Due to a lack of infrastructure and specialists, residents of such areas face challenges receiving basic services. High-quality communications will provide access to telemedicine, remote education, and much more. In addition, people in different regions will be notified during a natural disaster.
Reliable, high-quality, uninterrupted communications will encourage people to stay in rural areas or move there instead of to cities. Without connectivity, such areas may face more problems accessing the internet and social services.
It’s worth noting that cooperation with Japanese companies is an excellent opportunity for AALTO to declare itself a reliable partner for representatives of Asian countries. The company has already carried out projects with Space Compass. These include organising joint flights and connecting satellites. In addition, AALTO and Space Compass are developing a space infrastructure that provides various services.