Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has directed a group of firms to build a direct-to-device mobile service using high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), in a boost for the underdog technology in space connectivity. Japan has a highly developed terrestrial network and is seeking to expand its capabilities in space and lower altitudes with this new HAPS project. Despite the failure of HAPS projects elsewhere, Japan’s government and operators expect the HAPS format to work for them. The NICT has selected NTT Docomo, NTT, satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT, and Space Compass (a joint venture between NTT and JSAT) to develop the service. The venture is part of the NICT’s Beyond 5G project, which seeks to provide connectivity…