Broadband communications based on high altitude platform systems (HAPS) for tropical countries

Abstract

The increasing interest of broadband satellite multimedia systems has led to the consideration of higher bands operation, Ka-band (20/30 GHz). This is because of congestion of lower frequency bands such as C and Ku. Propagation impairments (rain attenuation) produced by the troposphere are a limiting factor for the effective use of the Ka-band and the use of smaller earth terminals, especially at tropical countries, i.e., Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, while very attractive for customer premise location, make it difficult to provide sufficient link margins for propagation related outages. Here, an alternative solution for broadband wireless systems at tropical countries replacing satellite systems is proposed. The broadband wireless systems is based on high altitude platform systems (HAPS) held geostationary in the stratosphere (approximately 21 km above sea level). The platforms act as the "highest cell tower in town".