NTT Docomo Consortium Invests $100M in Airbus Subsidiary to Boost Connectivity in Asia

A consortium led by Japanese telecommunications giant NTT Docomo has announced a $100 million investment in Aalto HAPS, a subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space. This strategic move aims to launch connectivity and earth observation services in Japan and Asia by 2026.

The investment, made through the consortium's vehicle HAPS Japan Corporation, includes key partners such as Space Compass, Mizuho Bank, and the Development Bank of Japan. Aalto HAPS is known for its Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), a stratospheric solar-powered aircraft that can provide low-latency 5G connectivity and perform various earth observation tasks.

Airbus Defence and Space will remain the majority shareholder of Aalto HAPS, ensuring continued technological expertise and global reach. The investment will support the industrial and commercial roadmap for Aalto's services, targeting a launch in Japan and globally in 2026.

Takaaki Sato, Chief Technology Officer of NTT Docomo, emphasized the significance of this technology, stating, "NTT DOCOMO continues to improve network quality and has been focused on establishing new technology frontiers that enhance access to connectivity services... This technology brings together unique innovative engineering with economics that are aligned to expand coverage to rural and remote areas and support our collective response to natural disasters.

Why this matters: This investment has significant implications for the development of high-altitude connectivity solutions, which can transform how remote and rural areas in Japan and Asia access communication services. The successful launch of these services in 2026 could lead to improved connectivity and economic growth in Japan and Asia.

Shigehiro Hori, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Space Compass Corporation, highlighted the potential impact on Japan's communications infrastructure: "Non-terrestrial networks have the potential to transform Japan's communications ecosystem, addressing access to connectivity in hard-to-reach areas while supporting our country's response to emergencies."

Aalto HAPS CEO Samer Halawi described the investment as a landmark moment for the company: "This is a landmark investment for AALTO... With world leaders in aviation and connectivity as shareholders, AALTO now has the combination of technological expertise and global reach to capitalize."

The Zephyr HAPS, developed by Aalto, can fly in the stratosphere for months, acting as a multi-functional tower in the sky. It offers low-latency 5G direct-to-device mobile connectivity and can be used for monitoring, tracking, sensing, and detection applications.

The roadmap to commercialize HAPS began with an agreement to explore collaboration with Aalto signed in 2022. The investment is subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals, with services expected to launch in 2026.

This investment signifies a major step forward in developing high-altitude connectivity solutions, potentially transforming how remote and rural areas in Japan and Asia access communication services.

Key Takeaways

• NTT Docomo-led consortium invests $100m in Aalto HAPS for high-altitude connectivity.
• Aalto HAPS to launch connectivity and earth observation services in Japan and Asia by 2026.
• Zephyr HAPS aircraft provides low-latency 5G connectivity and earth observation capabilities.
• Investment aims to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas, supporting economic growth.
• Aalto HAPS CEO calls investment a "landmark moment" for the company's global expansion.