important to have integrated network control technology connecting all elements, technol-ogy accommodating diverse communications on geostationary / non-geostationary satellite communications platforms, technology for constructing networks from HAPS / un-manned aircraft, and terminal technology for connecting with all users. Research, develop-ment, and demonstrations of these technolo-gies are required.■Social issues expected to be solved by satellite 5G / Beyond 5G integrationIt is expected that a variety of social issues will be solved by realizing a three-dimen-sional integrated network, with NTN using satellites 5G / Beyond 5G integration as a key (Figure 3). The shortage of communication lines in the ground, sea, air, and space, which will be utilized more actively in the future, will be solved by providing appropriate com-munications for all mobilities, such as ships, ying cars, drones, (unmanned) aircraft, and space planes. This will realize IoT usages such as MaaS (Mobility as a Service) and seamless logistics, and will expand industrial ICT utilization in marine and non-residential areas. In response to Japan’s future issues of aging and population decline, NTN with wide coverage will promote the strengthen-ing and diversication of communications infrastructure in depopulated areas where it is difcult to lay terrestrial communications, and will contribute to promoting smart cit-ies and unmanned operations (autonomous / remote control). For intensifying natural di-sasters, which have become a serious issue in recent years, 5G technology can realize rapid network switching, and, more than with conventional satellite communications, it will be possible to maintain a seamless com-munication environment in disaster relief and strengthen terrestrial communication in-frastructure such as mobile phone networks. Furthermore, with the new normal from the spread of COVID-19, NTN is expected to provide unmanned operation by taking ad-vantage of NTN’s wide coverage, provide appropriate medical services via telemedi-cine, and local revitalization by providing remote work environments in rural areas.■Future prospectsThe Space Communications Laboratory held the “Study Group on the Integration of Satellite Communications and 5G / Beyond 5G” in FY2019, and, with relevant organiza-tions in Japan, we conducted concrete stud-ies on integrating satellite communications and 5G / Beyond 5G and released the report (https://www2.nict.go.jp/wireless/sat5g-scl.html). We are continuing these activities and will support the “5G / Beyond 5G Integration Technology Subcommittee” through “Space ICT Promotion Initiative Forum” (https://spif.nict.go.jp/) activities. With the integra-tion of NTN and 5G / Beyond 5G, includ-ing satellite communications, as the key, we will promote activities in this eld in Japan towards realization of three-dimensional in-tegrated networks, solving social issues, and creating new services. Additionally, as re-search and development initiatives, we will promote research and development of core technologies for realizing three-dimensional integrated networks, such as integrated net-work control technologies, and, in collab-oration with Europe, Beyond 5G satellite / terrestrial integration technologies.In our laboratory, we aim to connect the ground, sea, sky, and space in a seamless three dimensional manner, thereby enabling communications to all areas. Through this, we will continue to work to realize commu-nications that can provide new lifestyles and work styles to ever-changing society.Figure 3 Social issues expected to be solved by satellite 5G / Beyond 5G integrationFigure 2 Beyond 5G era network imageFigure 1 Expectations for satellite 5G / Beyond 5G integration7NICT NEWS 2021 No.1
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