Rwanda, in collaboration with SoftBank Corporation, marked a significant milestone in telecommunications by successfully testing advanced 5G communications technology in the stratosphere. The announcement of this pioneering achievement was made at the opening of the Mobile World Congress (MWC Kigali) on October 17.

The groundbreaking test involved leveraging a solar-powered High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) prototype to deliver 5G connectivity from the stratosphere, providing unprecedented opportunities to extend high-speed internet access to remote areas and bridge the digital divide.

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The Significance of Stratospheric 5G Technology

Imagine a high-altitude drone equipped with 5G technology soaring in the Earth’s stratosphere. This stratospheric drone essentially functions as a flying 5G hotspot, connecting individuals on the ground to high-speed internet and digital services. The key significance of this technology lies in its capacity to deliver internet access to areas that were previously hard to reach. The test of SoftBank’s 5G technology in the stratosphere opens new horizons for connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions.

During the test, the stratospheric drone equipped with SoftBank’s 5G technology provided uninterrupted 5G connectivity for approximately 73 minutes. This remarkable achievement was accomplished at an altitude of 16.9 kilometers (around 10.5 miles). In practical terms, this means having a super-fast internet connection high above the Earth’s surface. To demonstrate the real-world applications of this technology, a 5G-based Zoom video call was conducted between a smartphone in Rwanda and SoftBank team members in Japan. The utilization of a standard 5G smartphone underscores the practicality and immediate applicability of this technology.

A Collaboration for Connectivity

This milestone stems from a collaborative partnership between SoftBank and the Rwandan government. Their joint efforts aim to explore how stratospheric technology can be harnessed to provide internet connectivity and educational services in Rwanda, particularly in rural areas with limited connectivity.

The successful test of stratospheric 5G technology marks just the beginning of an exciting journey. SoftBank and the Rwandan government intend to investigate potential use cases for this innovative technology, not only in Rwanda but also in other parts of Africa. One promising avenue is the digitalization of schools and communities in remote regions lacking internet access. This transformation has the potential to revolutionize education and connectivity in underserved areas.

Minister of ICT and Innovation’s Perspective

Paula Ingabire, the Minister of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda, emphasized the test’s importance in narrowing the digital divide and enhancing digital inclusion. She stated, “We’re establishing Rwanda as a premier global destination for pioneering visionary individuals from across the globe, where they can harness our supportive policies and regulatory flexibility to explore cutting-edge innovations that address development challenges. We extend our appreciation to SoftBank, our partner in this Joint Research Project, and look forward to furthering our partnership beyond the proof-of-concept phase.”

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SoftBank CEO’s Perspective

Junichi Miyakawa, the President and CEO of SoftBank, expressed his excitement over the performance of their 5G payload in the stratosphere, exceeding expectations. He highlighted the importance of this test in their mission to bridge the digital divide with High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) and other NTN solutions. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for their support and their anticipation of working together to explore use cases for commercial implementation.

The successful testing of SoftBank’s 5G technology in the stratosphere is a testament to the potential of innovative solutions to enhance connectivity in remote and underserved areas. This milestone brings the promise of digital inclusion, particularly in the educational sector, to the forefront. Rwanda’s commitment to pioneering cutting-edge innovations and SoftBank’s technological advancements offer a bright outlook for bridging the digital divide and fostering a more connected and informed world.