Hi All,
The GSMA just published High Altitude Platform Systems Towers in the Skies June 2021
Operating in the stratosphere, unmanned high-altitude platforms (HAPS) could bring connectivity
to areas that are either not covered, or are only partially covered, by terrestrial cellular networks.
This whitepaper highlights the potential of HAPS to meet the need for more broadband connectivity
worldwide. HAPS are very versatile: they can be adjusted to prioritize coverage or capacity
depending on the use case. Moreover, an aircraft can be deployed to cover a location at short
notice. As HAPS can employ LTE and 5G, there are no special requirements on the user
equipment: a normal smartphone can be used. As a result, HAPS can support a variety of use
cases for both developed and developing markets, including:
Greenfield coverage – providing coverage in areas with no cellular networks
White spot reduction – filling in gaps in cellular coverage
Emergency communications/disaster recovery – backing up damaged terrestrial networks
The Internet of Things (IoT) – connecting sensors, appliances, machines and vehicles
Temporary coverage for events/tourist hotspots – adding extra capacity in specific locations
Fixed wireless access - a broadband alternative to deploying fixed lines
Connectivity for urban air mobility and drones – providing better connectivity in the air
Private networks - enabling organisations to deploy their own cellular connectivity
Terrestrial site backhaul – connecting base stations and edge data centres to the Internet
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Michael Roza CPA, CISA, CIA, MBA, Exec MBA
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