SoftBank has tested technology in Rwanda that allows it to provide 5G communications to smartphone users without classic base stations. Solar-powered stratospheric drones (HAPS) were deployed, the company said. The project was implemented jointly with local authorities and started on September 24, 2023. The companies successfully tested the operation of 5G equipment in the stratosphere; communications equipment was launched to an altitude of up to 16,9 km, where it was tested for 73 minutes. During the tests, a 5G video call was made using the Zoom service from a site in Rwanda to members of the SoftBank team in Japan.
Source: 3dnews.ru