Loon, an Alphabet subsidiary working to deliver internet services to rural areas, and SoftBank Corporation’s HAPSMobile, currently planning to operate HAPS networks, together announced the successful development of a new communications payload for HAWK30, a solar-powered UAS (unmanned aircraft system) developed by HAPSMobile that flies in the stratosphere.

The communications payload also uses a custom-designed LTE system that works on a number of 3GPP-compliant frequency bands. The payload enables the HAWK30 to offer a wireless link that allows direct connection of LTE to standard LTE smartphones as well as other mobile devices.

The Loon payload, together with the millimeter-wave communication system, is capable of providing internet to a greater number of smartphone users over a long distance through existing ground infrastructure.

CEO of Loon, Alastair Westgarth stated that this is a vital step in the company’s collaboration with HAPSMobile. The stratosphere signifies an exceptional area of opportunity when it is about expanding connectivity. The company is further working to leverage its significant experience building as well as operating the stratospheric technology to innovate a new connectivity layer that would fill the gaps in space-based and ground-based systems.

Westgarth further added that in HAPSMobile, the company has found a partner that shares the same enthusiasm for this novel frontier. Loon looks forward to continuing the operations together for the development of the new industry and link people everywhere with the advantages of the internet.

CTO and Representative Director of SoftBank, and CEO and President of HAPSMobile, Junichi Miyakawa, stated that the company is very pleased that this strategic partnership with Loon is already showing results. Both companies’ jointly developed communication payload represents a crucial step forward in their efforts to make stratosphere-based communications a reality and further promote HAPS adoption.

Miyakawa further added that in collaboration with Loon, the company would continue to innovate technologies for HAPS aiming to revolutionize the world’s mobile networks.

Source credit: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/alphabet-loon-softbank-corp-hapsmobile-013600807.html