Tokyo, Japan - SoftBank Corp. and Network Access Associates Ltd., commonly known as OneWeb, have formalized a sales partnership agreement.
Their primary objective is implementing and expanding OneWeb's satellite communications services throughout Japan.
Why it matters:
The partnership represents a significant step in expanding satellite communications capabilities, particularly in regions with traditional cellular network challenges.
The Key Points
Both companies have clearly outlined their goals for working together.
SoftBank intends to use OneWeb's other satellite technologies and the High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) to create a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solution.
This will work seamlessly with land-based mobile networks to provide consistent regional connectivity.
- Technical advantages: OneWeb's service uses low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency communications. This technology is known for providing radio waves closer to the Earth, resulting in superior communications links.
- Enhanced Security: SoftBank's collaboration with OneWeb will be integrated with its Closed Area Network service, promising more secure communications.
- Bandwidth Guarantee: SoftBank intends to offer a bandwidth guarantee service following this agreement. This guarantees customers a predetermined speed, ensuring consistent and stable communications.
- Addressing Remote Areas: OneWeb's technology will revolutionize communications in regions where traditional cellular networks fail. This includes mountainous terrain and securing lines during natural disasters.
- Comprehensive communications network: SOFTBANK's vision is to use OneWeb, other satellites, and the High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) to create a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solution. This will be coupled with a terrestrial cellular network to achieve seamless connectivity everywhere by merging the NTN solution with land-based cellular networks.
The Big Picture
OneWeb's technology is particularly relevant in rugged terrain and during emergencies, as it can potentially maintain communications where traditional networks may fail.
Key stakeholders shared their perspectives on the partnership.
SoftBank's Takeki Kobayashi mentioned the partnership's potential to provide high-speed, low-latency solutions in some areas of Japan.
On the other hand, Stephen Beynon, representing OneWeb, highlighted the mutual benefits and the prospect of providing widespread communications solutions across Japan.
