Ahead in the clouds: Australia’s journey with high altitude platform systems

In late April, Softbank and Lendlease announced a joint venture – the first of its kind in Australia – to look into the feasibility of a High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS).[1] A bold step toward the future of telecommunications, this announcement has left many eager to learn more about HAPS: what they do, the benefits they bring, and how Australia compares to the rest of the world with regard to their implementation. This article will address some of these questions.

What are HAPS?

HAPS operate like base stations 20-50km above earth. They fly above a fixed point, usually on weather-balloon like devices. Some industry players are currently testing the viability of HAPS using lightweight, solar-powered aircraft which can operate continually for several months at a time. The concept of HAPS has existed since the mid 90’s, but recent advancements in technology have made this a more viable option for communications networks. HAPS are relatively quick and easy to deploy, use minimal ground infrastructure, and can be used to provide fixed broadband to end-users, or to take the traffic stress off of satellites.[2]

The potential applications of this technology are limitless, with some even seeing HAPS as the key to the 6th Generation of global broadband (6G). As a result, moving early in the market could well be the key to HAPS success.[3]

Why are they needed?

HAPS have a myriad of interesting applications. Given their ease of deployment and minimal need for ground-based infrastructure, they are ideal to use in:

• Rural, mountainous, desert and coastal areas where ground network infrastructure is difficult and expensive.
• Disaster sites where emergency Broadband may be needed quickly and ground infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
• Rapidly expanding cities and populations where accelerating bandwidth needs exceed supply by traditional means.

They also serve the UN sustainable development goals by allowing for greater connectivity and broadband access for isolated and underserved communities, and can be used to provide fixed broadband for end-users, or can take some strain away from satellites in congested areas like stadiums and music festivals. They are also energy efficient, meaning they’re an environmentally conscious broadband option. The benefits of HAPS are resounding, especially for such a geographically disparate country like Australia.

Softbank and Lendlease – First Mover Advantage

With this context in mind, it’s easy to see why the Softbank/Lendlease joint venture (HAPSmobile) is attracting a lot of interest. As the first major HAPS project in Australia, they certainly have a head start on the competition. The JV is currently developing a solar-powered fixed-wing aircraft from which to host their HAPS, and have already conducted test flights.

Authored by Ben Holmes, Matthew Bovvaird, and Thomas Jones

[1] www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/softbank-partners-with-lendlease-for-haps-jv-in-australia/

[2] www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/backgrounders/Pages/High-altitude-platform-systems.aspx

[3] Ibid.