Page 93 - SAMENA Trends - Oct-Nov 2023

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

recently launched its Quest 3, while Apple is gearing up to ship devices to very low power levels and include specific requirements
its Vision Pro in early 2024. Meta and Apple are also working on to ensure nationwide operation while safeguarding licensed
AR glasses. The FCC’s move allows for the connection of AR/VR services operating in the same band. The band is not only vital
devices to smartphones and facilitates the sharing of navigation for next-generation Wi-Fi but also used by services managing the
data with vehicles, opening up new avenues for user interactions US electric grids and long-distance phone services, necessitating
and experiences in the expanding metaverse. However, the FCC has stringent FCC oversight. This decision marks a significant step
taken careful measures to balance innovation with the protection towards a metaverse future, where immersive experiences and
of existing services. The newly established rules limit permitted cutting-edge applications seamlessly integrate into our daily lives.

Telefonica Set to Launch 5G SA Network

Telefonica Deutschland, which provides services under the O2 and Information Officer (CTIO) of Telefonica Deutschland, adding:
brand name, plans to switch on its 5G Standalone (SA) network ‘Now O2’s new 5G Plus network is available to more than 90% of
on 10 October. From that date, O2 contract customers with a the population in Germany. By the end of 2025, we will provide
compatible SIM card and smartphone that are within coverage the whole of Germany with 5G Plus, giving digitization a massive
areas will be able to surf the internet and make calls via Voice-over- boost.’ The service, which is currently available to more than 90%
New Radio (VoNR) technology on the new network, referred to by of the population, exclusively uses frequencies designated for 5G
Telefonica as ‘5G Plus’. The service will be free of charge via the ‘5G in the O2 network, which currently includes the 700MHz, 3.6GHz
Plus Pack’ add-on option for a period of twelve months. ‘5G Plus and 1800MHz (DSS) bands. Telefonica adds that the maximum
on the O2 network marks the beginning of a new technology era. available bandwidth of 5G Plus will grow continuously in the
We can sustainably connect our customers at high data rates and coming months and years as even more spectrum is deployed.
enable new digital applications,’ said Mallik Rao, Chief Technology

Mira Aerospace Conducts 5G HAPS Trial From Stratosphere

High altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) firm Mira Aerospace has
conducted a successful 5G trial from the stratosphere - which
ranges from 4-12 miles (6-20km) above the Earth's surface to
around 31 miles (50km). “Our team is excited to announce that our
ApusDuo aircraft achieved the world’s first successful delivery of
5G connectivity from a fixed-wing HAPS (high-altitude pseudo sat-
ellite) aircraft in the stratosphere last month,” Mira announced last
week. “Reaching a maximum flight altitude of 16.9 km, our strato-
sphere-ready communications payload delivered Rwanda's first a stratospheric HAPS in September as well. Announced earlier this
5G-enabled Zoom video call.” Mira said the communications pay- month, SoftBank said the company tested its proprietary 5G com-
load continuously delivered 5G connectivity for approximately 73 munications payload in the stratosphere in late September. The
minutes, during which it reached a maximum altitude of 16.9 km. company said the communications payload continuously deliv-
During the test, the stratosphere-ready 5G communications pay- ered 5G connectivity for approximately 73 minutes in the strato-
load enabled a 5G Zoom video call. Mira is a joint venture of UA- sphere at a maximum altitude of 16.9km and enabled a 5G-based
VOS and Bayanat. The former is a developer and manufacturer of Zoom video call between an unmodified 5G smartphone at the test
advanced unmanned systems; Bayanat, part of G42, offers appli- site in Rwanda and SoftBank team members in Japan. Though the
cations, services, and components for satellites and aviation in- companies don’t mention one another in their respective an-
cluding surveying, geospatial, and earth observation data analysis nouncements, the similarities of the trials suggest they may have
as well as satellite radars. UAVOS is developing the ApusDuo plat- been working together. HAPS – whether they be airships, balloons,
form. The company said it will be able to operate in the strato- or fixed-wing drones – offer a way to provide connectivity to rural
sphere at an average altitude of 59,000 feet/18 kilometers. The and unconnected areas from high altitudes without the upfront
ApsDuo HAPS has a wingspan of 15 m (49.2 ft) and a maximum costs of cell towers or satellites or the need for specialist receiv-
take-off weight of 95lb (43kg). For the test flight, Mira had to con- ers. Mira said it plans to commercialize this technology by 2025.
struct three temporary runways for takeoff and landing, using arti- Its platforms will be able to provide services in connectivity, Earth
ficial grass. Though the company said it was the “world’s first” suc- observation, weather, security, and emergency disaster manage-
cessful delivery of 5G connectivity from a fixed-wing HAPS (high ment. A successful platform high-altitude test flight was conduct-
altitude pseudo satellite) autonomous aircraft in the stratosphere, ed over the summer. Other players in the HAPS space include BAE,
SoftBank conducted its own successful 5G connectivity trial from Airbus, Avealto, Stratospheric Platforms, and Sceye.
93 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2023