NTT Docomo to launch airborne telecom base stations in 2026

Japan's top wireless carrier leads $100m funding round for Airbus-owned supplier

A model of an aerial base station developed by an Airbus subsidiary that is known to stay in operation for 64 days straight. (Photo by Akitoshi Sugiura)

SHIHO MIYAJIMA, Nikkei staff writer

June 4, 2024 03:58 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's leading wireless carrier NTT Docomo said Monday that it will launch a fleet of aerial telecommunications base stations in 2026 through a partnership with a supplier owned by Airbus.

Docomo and three other investors have pledged to invest up to $100 million into Aalto HAPS, a developer of high-altitude platform stations. The Japanese carrier would be the first in the world to use the airborne stations in commercial applications if the goal is met.