High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) for Ultra-Long-Range (ULR) wireless backhaul

Problem statement

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of affordable and reliable high-speed Internet to allow all Canadians to participate in the digital economy. Bringing Internet connectivity to remote and rural communities remains a significant challenge given the wide areas and the low-population densities that have to be covered. Typical backbone infrastructure solutions like fiber optic networks, microwave links and satellite services are often uneconomical and/or unreliable.

Shared Services Canada is seeking the development of a solution that will extend the reach of ultra-long-range wireless backhaul (i.e. over-the-horizon ranges) using High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS). Bringing the Internet to sparsely populated, remote regions and isolated areas with weak or no connectivity still remains a challenge, especially during harsh weather and difficult conditions. The ultimate goal is to deliver and expand internet and mobile broadband-like access to users.

Desired outcomes and considerations

Essential (mandatory) outcomes

The proposed solution must:

1. Operate at an altitude of 20 kilometers +/- 2 kilometers
2. Traverse long distances up to and laterally across an altitude of 20 kilometers +/- 2 kilometers
3. Be able to operate at a specified, nominal, fixed point relative to the Earth for an extended period (minimum of 3 days)
4. Deliver high-bandwidth, high-availability, ultra-low latency, zero packet loss, and fiber-like wireless connectivity comparable to current offerings in the telecommunications industry
5. Support current wireless systems and infrastructure
6. Be able to service multiple coverage areas based on usage demands
7. Demonstrate the ability to daisy chain the signal using intra-HAPS (i.e HAPS group 1 to HAPS group 2), and/or inter-HAPS (between individual HAPS);
8. Support point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and mesh links
9. Be able to transmit during harsh weather and difficult conditions
10. Be easily and rapidly deployable

Additional outcomes

The proposed solution should:

1. Support next generation wireless systems and infrastructure
2. Support backhauling requirements for future wireless networks
3. Complement the terrestrial communication infrastructures
4. Support low-latency and mobile applications that require real-time and continuous connectivity
5. Minimize the amount of traditional backhaul hopping
6. Be energy efficient by minimizing the energy required to support optimal system operation
7. Maintain Quality of Service (QoS) in the face of major condition changes (i.e. environmental, electro-magnetic, etc.)
8. Powered and recharged (on the ground and/or mid-flight) by renewable energy (e.g. solar energy, wind, etc.)

Background and context

Existing wireless backhaul technologies have revealed limitations in terms of coverage and during emergency situations for remote areas, nomadic users, and scattered populations. A merging solution between HAPS and ULR (Ultra-Long-Range) wireless backhaul, offering broadband services, would be a great benefit to a wide range of populations, especially in times of crisis and during emergency situations where traditional telecommunication services suffer outages.

HAPS – High-Altitude Platform Systems

Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge.

Phase 1:

• The maximum funding available for any Phase 1 contract resulting from this Challenge is : $150,000.00 CAD excluding applicable taxes, shipping, travel and living expenses, as required.
• The maximum duration for any Phase 1 contract resulting from this Challenge is up to 6 months (excluding submission of the final report).
• Estimated number of Phase 1 contracts: 5

Phase 2:

Note: Only eligible businesses that have successfully completed Phase 1 will be invited to submit a proposal for Phase 2.

• The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 contract resulting from this Challenge is : $1,000,000.00 CAD excluding applicable taxes, shipping, travel and living expenses, as required.
• The maximum duration for any Phase 2 contract resulting from this Challenge is up to 24 months (excluding submission of the final report).
• Estimated number of Phase 2 contracts: 2

This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to award any contract for the total approximate funding. Final decisions on the number of Phase 1 and Phase 2 awards will be made by Canada on the basis of factors such as evaluation results, departmental priorities and availability of funds. Canada reserves the right to make partial awards and to negotiate project scope changes.

Note: Selected companies are eligible to receive one contract per phase per challenge.

Travel

No travel is anticipated in Phase 1. Project meetings will be conducted via video conferencing. 

Kick-off meeting

Kick-off meeting will be conducted via video conferencing.

Progress review meeting(s)

Any progress review meetings will be conducted by videoconference.

Final review meeting

Final meeting will be conducted via video conferencing.

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