Future Stories Vol. 7
Universal NTN

“Future Stories” is a series in which we interview Group employees about initiatives that will lead to a future with Space for your Smile.

In Japan, there are limitations to the communication areas of ground-based base stations, leaving areas such as mountainous regions and sparsely populated areas without data communication. SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation aims to expand the breadth of its experience in space and satellite business, cultivated for over 30 years, to build a non-terrestrial network (Universal NTN) in order to fulfill "anytime, anywhere, responding to all demands."

We spoke with two members about how Universal NTN contributes to solving environmental and social issues.

―――Interviewee

From left: Kishiro, Ogawa

Future Goal and Business Initiatives for 2030 in NTN Business Division

―――First, our group has set “Vision for 2030” to "build an innovative communication network targeting all spaces and contribute to the realization of a Super-Smart Society ." What initiatives is the NTN business engaged in?

Ogawa: We are working on the development of "Universal NTN," which aligns with our vision of "anytime, anywhere, responding to all demands." People often ask, "What is Universal?" and "What is NTN?" NTN stands for "Non-terrestrial Network." Since we have been working on network operations in space, one could say we have been doing NTN all along. Universal NTN is an evolution of this concept.

―――What do "Universal" and "anytime, anywhere" mean in this context?

Ogawa: As we move towards 2030, the customer base will expand, and there will be diversification in use cases and applications. To meet these demands, we interpret "Universal" as expanding the scope of what our company has specifically focused on so far. It means being "anytime, anywhere, responding to all demands" from the customer's perspective. Universal NTN is our unique concept.

―――It's a unique concept indeed. Can you provide more details about the specific initiatives?

Ogawa: Yes. To realize all the ideas we have in mind, relying solely on our GEO (Geostationary Orbit) satellites is not sufficient. We believe it is necessary to incorporate a multi-layered approach, including not only GEO but also non-GEO (non-Geostationary orbit) and HAPS (High Altitude Platform Systems).

Ogawa: However, for each layer to work together effectively and optimize the NTN infrastructure for each application, a mechanism for coordination is crucial. We are actively considering how to achieve this. When possessing communication infrastructure across various layers such as GEO, non-GEO, and HAPS, it is necessary to develop mechanisms to interconnect and effectively utilize each layer. Therefore, we are actively pursuing discussions and considerations in this regard.

To accomplish these goals, investments in various technological elements, research and development (R&D), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and alliances are necessary. We are making sure that our company can lead the way to the desired future.

Mr. Ogawa giving a presentation at the conference held in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2023.

Reference Link：

SKY Perfect JSAT

Solving Social Issues and Helping People in Need through Service Provision

―――In the future, by providing services, what social issues do you aim to solve, and how do you want to help those in need?

Kishiro: Looking ahead, a challenge in terms of problem-solving is the alignment of satellite communication with the same 5G communication standard as mobile devices. When the communication standards for ground (mobile) and satellite become the same, users can communicate with a single device without being aware of whether they are in a communication blank space on the ground. NTN's realization opens up the possibility of using communication with a mobile phone in any location, even in the event of a disaster where ground communication is disrupted.

Our goal is to eliminate communication disparities, especially in areas where lack of connectivity is a problem. We want to use superior infrastructure to bridge the gap, and we hope this new technology will serve as a catalyst for other companies to develop new services. Alone, we can only see our own space. We want to collaborate with other operators and create together.

New Challenges, Initiatives, and Aspirations

―――The final question. If there are new challenges or initiatives you want to undertake, please share.

Ogawa: This is a new initiative for us - we launched the "NTN Open Innovation Activity" in April of this year. To create an ecosystem where NTN is utilized, collaboration with various companies is essential. We are not limited to previous business partners; we want to collaborate with mobile and software companies, among others, to realize the future of "Universal NTN." We have named this series of activities "NTN Open Innovation Activity."

―――What stage is it currently at?

Ogawa: We are currently exchanging information with other companies, discussing activities, and moving towards the phase of materializing those discussions. Open innovation and collaboration with external partners are crucial. We want to elevate NTN together!

Kishiro: Satellites are often associated with backup and disaster scenarios, but I am thinking about more everyday uses of satellites. I would like to explore whether satellites can be used as conveniently as mobile phones, and I am passionate about realizing this within NTN because I love the company and satellites.

(Interview held on October 2, 2023)

"Universal NTN" aims to be a non-terrestrial network that caters to various needs such as wide coverage, large capacity, low latency, high safety and reliability, and low power consumption. In the future, we will actively engage in open innovation and external collaborations to address communication area disparities and collaborate with other companies towards this goal.

For inquiries:
SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Space Business Unit, Business Innovation Group, NTN Business Div.