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SoftBank Bets On Solar-Powered Airships To Replace Cell Towers In Japan, Offering 5G With Low Latency, Greater Range, And Coverage Equivalent To 25 Ground Towers.
End Of Cell Towers? SoftBank, a Japanese communications holding company, is developing a project to provide aerial mobile coverage for 4G and 5G networks without the need for ground towers. The initiative uses solar-powered stratospheric aircraft that function as high-altitude cell towers.
The proposal has the potential to transform telecommunications infrastructure since the aircraft carry the same hardware as traditional base stations and can cover extensive areas, including hard-to-reach locations.
How Do SoftBank’s Stratospheric Aircraft Work?
The airships developed by SoftBank utilize solar panels and consume only 10 kilowatts of energy to remain operational. The structure is completely sealed and reinforced, capable of withstanding the adverse conditions of the stratosphere.
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The aircraft operate at about 20 km altitude and remain airborne for months. By using 3GPP protocols, the global standard for connectivity, they can integrate with existing networks.
In comparison to internet satellites, such as those from Starlink, the airships have significant advantages. They are much closer to the earth’s surface – satellites operate at over 500 km altitude – which ensures reduced latency, below 20 milliseconds, and more precise signal targeting.
Coverage Equivalent To 25 Ground Towers
Each aircraft can provide coverage to an area similar to that served by 25 conventional cell towers, transmitting at frequencies ranging between 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz. The technology allows for direct connection to smartphones and other devices, without the need for intermediate equipment.
This feature makes the airships a viable solution to replace part of the ground infrastructure. It also extends signal coverage in isolated locations where building towers would be more expensive or unfeasible.
Integration And Possible Uses In The Future
SoftBank intends to integrate the aircraft into existing mobile networks, providing support for both 4G and 5G. The company is still evaluating whether the technology will be used permanently, gradually replacing towers, or if it will have specific applications in emergencies, such as natural disasters that damage telecommunications infrastructure.
According to the company, the first tests are scheduled for 2026. If successful, commercial implementation is expected to begin in the following years.
Advantages Of Aerial Mobile Coverage
SoftBank’s technology brings relevant benefits:
- Reduced latency, with greater signal stability.
- Greater range in rural or hard-to-access areas.
- Lower installation cost compared to ground towers.
- Ability to quickly restore communication in emergencies.
Additionally, operating closer to the earth’s surface facilitates signal targeting and improves connection quality compared to satellite services.
Japan As A Pioneer In Technology
SoftBank believes that the technology could position Japan as a global reference in aerial connectivity solutions. With potentially greater coverage and reduced costs, airships could redefine how mobile networks are distributed, decreasing dependence on physical towers.
There is still no official pricing forecast for the service. The company reported that the tests will be used to measure the technology’s efficiency, the continuous operational time of the aircraft, and integration with the existing network.
Future Of Telecommunications
SoftBank’s initiative indicates that the end of traditional cell towers may be near in some regions. While terrestrial technology will remain essential for many years, airships could offer a viable alternative to expand mobile internet signal, especially in remote locations.
If the planned tests for 2026 are successful, the expectation is that aerial mobile coverage will be adopted on a larger scale in Japan and, subsequently, in other countries.
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