The HAPS Alliance today announced the release of its HAPS Reference Architecture Series: Cell Towers in the Sky, the first in a comprehensive series aimed at demystifying the complex yet transformative technology behind High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). This free-to-download initial report sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the systems that will redefine internet connectivity and bring reliable service to over 2.6 billion people currently without access, according to the latest data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN tech agency.
HAPS technology, often described as ‘cell towers in the sky,’ offers a stratospheric solution to extend internet service to remote and rural areas, ultimately connecting the unconnected. This inaugural paper lays the foundation by answering key questions about HAPS technology including:
- What services can be delivered from a HAPS network?
- What are the unique benefits associated with HAPS technology?
- What are the major constituent parts of a HAPS network solution?
“HAPS technology has the potential to revolutionize global connectivity, particularly in underserved and remote regions,” said Ken Riordan, President of the HAPS Alliance and Principal Architect, Nokia Federal Solutions. “With this reference architecture paper, we are providing the foundation for stakeholders to understand and harness the capabilities of HAPS, paving the way for more inclusive and reliable internet access worldwide.”
Future reports in the series will delve deeper into the major subsystems of HAPS networks, including aviation systems, energy systems, fleet orchestration, service link systems, and core network systems. Each report will provide detailed insights into how these subsystems interact to create a seamless and efficient HAPS network.
As the HAPS Alliance continues to explore and expand the potential of HAPS technology, the organization invites current and future members of the HAPS Alliance to engage with these reports. By working together, the Alliance can identify where products and services fit into this revolutionary ecosystem and drive forward the mission of global connectivity.
Not a Member? Join the HAPS Alliance
All companies interested in the HAPS ecosystem are encouraged to become HAPS Alliance members. Alliance membership levels, Principal, General, and Supporter, are open to organizations in any industry sector. Principal and General members have the opportunity to become involved in various membership initiatives, including working groups and collaboration with other HAPS Alliance members to work on technology components and use cases for enabling a smarter world.
About the HAPS Alliance
The HAPS Alliance is an industry association of High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) industry leaders that include telecommunications, technology, defense, aviation and aerospace companies, as well as public and educational institutions. United by a mission to unlock the stratosphere to enhance connectivity and sensing services for civilian and government applications globally, the Alliance is working to accelerate the development and commercial adoption of HAPS technology by promoting and building industry-wide standards, interoperability guidelines and regulatory policies in the telecommunication, defense and aviation industries. For more information, please visit https://hapsalliance.org/
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