DOCOMO, Abside Networks agree to study AI-driven HAPS networks

NTT DOCOMO and Abside Networks signed a memorandum of understanding on Oct. 13, 2026, to jointly study future communications infrastructure using high-altitude platform stations and AI. The work aims to support wide-area, high-capacity, massive-connectivity networks across the ground, stratosphere and space.

Why it matters: - The agreement could help shape next-generation networks that extend coverage beyond terrestrial systems. - HAPS-based networks are being studied for hard-to-serve areas, including maritime regions, airspace, remote communities and mountainous regions. - The partnership combines DOCOMO's HAPS network work with Abside's stratospheric communications and AI-based control experience.

What happened: - NTT DOCOMO and Abside Networks signed a memorandum of understanding on Oct. 13, 2026. - The MOU covers joint study of future communications infrastructure using high-altitude platform stations and AI. - The companies plan to examine potential collaboration in wide-area, high-capacity and massive-connectivity communications, network control and data use.

The details: - DOCOMO has been studying and demonstrating wide-area communications services using HAPS. - Abside has worked for years on stratospheric communications, including technology developed through Project Loon. - Abside is also developing HAPS communications equipment, RAN technologies, non-terrestrial network technologies and AI-based network control technologies. - The companies said their technologies and visions may be complementary. - The MOU is meant to explore future networks that integrate the ground, stratosphere and space. - The joint study will focus on system architectures for wide-area, high-capacity and massive-connectivity communications using HAPS. - The companies will also study how AI can be used for demand forecasting and for controlling beams, capacity, spectrum and interference in stratospheric RANs. - Another focus area is collecting and using data tied to communications quality, network operations and sensing in the stratosphere. - The companies will examine future integration with external applications and service platforms. - HAPS are unmanned aerial platforms that operate in the stratosphere at about 20 kilometers altitude. - HAPS are being studied as a way to provide coverage in areas where conventional networks have not been economically viable.

Between the lines: - DOCOMO is pushing a three-dimensional network vision that combines AI with non-terrestrial networks, including HAPS. - That vision is aimed at meeting growing communications demand linked to broader AI use. - Abside is building radio equipment for terrestrial and non-terrestrial RANs that use a large number of antenna elements for high-spatial-resolution and precise beam control. - Abside is also developing an AI-driven software platform for integrated control across the ground, stratosphere and space. - The deal fits into NTT C89, a space-business brand promoted by NTT Group companies. - NTT C89 is intended to support space-related business expansion and broader space-industry development through solutions for society.

What's next: - The companies will continue joint studies toward possible future collaboration. - DOCOMO will keep studying integrated control across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. - Abside will continue developing AI3DR and AI3DN-related network technologies for 6G-oriented deployments. - The companies did not announce a commercialization timeline.

The bottom line: - DOCOMO and Abside are betting that HAPS plus AI can become part of a broader network layer spanning ground, stratosphere and space.