SoftBank and Honda have begun discussions toward a joint research project to strengthen connected car technologies (Internet-connectivity and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technologies) which will offer new experiences and value by connecting mobility products. The two companies will pursue this joint research with a view to the future adoption of 5th generation mobile communication system (“5G”) standards.
In the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2018, SoftBank will install experiential 5G base stations at Honda R&D's Takasu Proving Ground (in Takasu-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido, Japan), and the two companies will start full-fledged joint research under the 5G environment.
The two companies will create a 5G environment by utilizing Honda's closed test course (Takasu Proving Ground) and work to develop the following technologies;
- High-speed handover technology
- The development of technologies and on-board antennas which will enable a stable handover of base stations for communication by a vehicle moving at high-speed.
- Recovery technologies for areas with weak/out-of-range signals
- The development of technologies that can secure data sending/receiving performance in areas with a weak signal as well as data processing technologies.
- Technological development for various other usages
