HAPS Reference Architecture Series: HAPS Advantages in an Era of Satellite Connectivity

HAPS offer an economical way to support a range of use cases, including greenfield connectivity in areas where there are no terrestrial networks and filling in gaps in cellular coverage. (These gaps are known as “white spots” and offer additional challenges by being typically small and geographically non-contiguous areas.) HAPS can typically provide connectivity of between 50 and 100 Mbps per beam, with a peak of 200 Mbps. As a result, each beam can support ~2,000 concurrent voice calls. HAPS can support automotive-related, public safety and agricultural use cases, as well as other commercial services. Automotive use cases include emergency calls, the remote unlocking of shared cars, the provision of safety-related traffic information, such as road hazard warnings, vehicle software updates and in-car entertainment. HAPS can also connect various environmental sensors to provide early warnings of natural disasters, while agricultural use cases include crops and soil health monitoring, geo-fencing (to detect movement into and out of the farm) and livestock tracking. In the aftermath of a disaster, HAPS can help affected communities overcome terrestrial communication blackouts. By enabling swift and efficient communication, HAPS can enhance situational awareness, support search and rescue efforts and aid in the recovery and rebuilding process. HAPS can also extend coverage out to sea, supporting tourism and recreation, offshore energy, mineral extraction, shipping and other parts of the marine economy.