SoftBank Corp. to Launch Pre-commercialHAPS Stratospheric Telecommunications Servicesin Japan in 2026 – sUAS News

• Anticipating the 6G era, SoftBank Corp. aims to build next-generation telecommunications network with 3D architecture
• SoftBank Corp. makes equity Investment in U.S.-based Sceye, a developer of lighter-than-air (LTA)-type HAPS vehicle

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434, President & CEO: Junichi Miyakawa, “SoftBank”) today announced that it plans to launch pre-commercial High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) stratospheric telecommunications services in Japan in 2026. As part of this initiative, SoftBank made an equity investment in Sceye, Inc. (Founder and CEO: Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, “Sceye”), a New Mexico, U.S.-based company that develops lighter-than-air (LTA^*1)-type HAPS vehicles. SoftBank also signed an agreement with Sceye on June 20, 2025, that gives it exclusive rights to provide HAPS-based services in Japan using Sceye’s platform. In addition to its ongoing program to develop a heavier-than-air (HTA^*2)-type HAPS vehicle, SoftBank will newly utilize LTA-type vehicles to accelerate the commercialization of HAPS-based telecommunication services. By providing HAPS-based commercial services, SoftBank aims to build a next-generation telecommunications network with 3D architecture to support stable and reliable connectivity for drones and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the 6G era, in addition to providing telecommunications services during large-scale disasters when terrestrial networks are disrupted.

Sceye is a leading aerospace company specializing in HAPS to connect people and protect the planet. Sceye’s HAPS platform uses the buoyant force of helium, a gas lighter than air, to remain airborne for long durations. Having completed more than 20 successful test flights, Sceye is collaborating with U.S. state governments and private enterprises. Sceye’s HAPS solution aims to provide connectivity to underserved areas, enable real-time detection and response to weather-related disasters, and support advanced environmental monitoring, all to contribute to a better future for people and the planet.

HAPS, also referred to as “base stations in the sky,” operate in the stratosphere at an altitude of approximately 20 km to provide wide-area communications coverage. While conventional mobile networks have focused on 2D coverage for smartphones and vehicles, the coming 6G era will demand telecommunications infrastructure with 3D architectures to support connectivity for drones and UAVs in the sky. Recognizing HAPS as a critical component of 6G infrastructure early on, SoftBank first began developing HAPS technologies in 2017 and has since led the industry in researching and developing a large-scale HTA-type HAPS vehicle and related technologies. By partnering with Sceye, which specializes in LTA-type HAPS, SoftBank is advancing the commercial deployment of HAPS-based services, and aiming to accelerating the realization of a next-generation 3D network.

SoftBank plans to begin providing pre-commercial HAPS services in Japan in 2026 using Sceye’s LTA-type HAPS platform. These services are expected to support communication recovery during disruptions due to large-scale disasters, such as major earthquakes, and deliver connectivity to hard-to-reach areas, including mountainous regions and remote islands. Leveraging the advantages of HAPS — faster speeds, greater capacity, lower latency, and more flexible deployment capabilities compared to satellite-based communications — SoftBank will strengthen its network resilience and promote universal service nationwide. SoftBank will also continue to develop its large-scale HTA-type HAPS platform, with the aim of utilizing it for commercial services.

Junichi Miyakawa, President & CEO of SoftBank Corp., commented:
“As a global pioneer, SoftBank has been developing HAPS-based services since 2017. In addition to our research and development for HTA-type HAPS, I’m extremely pleased we’ll be launching LTA-type HAPS pre-commercial services in 2026 through our new partnership with Sceye. The stratospheric-based, wide area telecommunications of HAPS will play a key role in expanding network area coverage to areas that are difficult to reach with existing mobile network infrastructure, and it will also provide a means of restoring communications when large-scale disasters strike. Furthermore, as we move toward the 6G era, HAPS will be key infrastructure to support society when 3D telecommunications networks will be needed to support sky-based mobility. To contribute to the building of sustainable and highly reliable telecommunications infrastructure that solves social issues, SoftBank will continue to develop technologies and conduct service tests to implement HAPS into society.”

Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Founder and CEO of Sceye, commented:
“SoftBank has an extensive track record in non-terrestrial network technologies and has long viewed the stratosphere as the next frontier to tackle pressing global issues. Their investment reinforces the viability of our HAPS platform. We are proud to welcome SoftBank as a strategic partner and look forward to accelerating the commercialization of our services together.”

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