TOKYO, JAPAN, — BOSTON, USA, October 14, 2026 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. and Abside Networks, Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on October 13, 2026, toward the development of future communications infrastructure utilizing high-altitude platform stations (HAPS*1) and realizing of next-generation networks leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). Going forward, the two companies will conduct joint studies toward future collaboration in areas including wide-area, high-capacity and massive-connectivity communications using HAPS, network control and data utilization.
Background
DOCOMO has been conducting studies and demonstrations toward the realization of wide-area communications services utilizing HAPS. To deliver high-quality communications services via HAPS, it is important to develop radio access networks (RANs) and communications equipment suited to the stratospheric environment. As conditions in the stratosphere differ from those on the ground, communications equipment and network design must be adapted accordingly, requiring specialized knowledge and experience.
Abside has many years of experience in stratospheric communications. Through Project Loon*2, Abside developed knowledge and experience in stratospheric communications and has been engaged in the development of HAPS communications equipment and RAN technologies. Abside is also developing non-terrestrial network (Non-Terrestrial Network, NTN) technologies and AI-based network control technologies.
As a result, the two companies confirmed that their respective visions and technologies may be complementary and signed the MOU to jointly explore potential future collaboration toward networks that integrate the ground, stratosphere and space.
Scope
Under the Initiative, the two companies will jointly study technical collaboration for the future use of HAPS. The principal areas of study are as follows:
- System architectures for wide-area, high-capacity and massive-connectivity communications using HAPS
- Application of AI to demand forecasting and the control of beams, capacity, spectrum and interference in stratospheric RANs
- Collection and utilization of data relating to communications quality, network operations and sensing in the stratosphere
- Future integration with external applications and service platforms