NTT Docomo Unveils Vision for Post-5G Era at MWC 2025

Barcelona, Spain – At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, NTT Docomo 6G, Japan’s leading mobile operator, unveiled new initiatives aimed at advancing next-generation communication technologies, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future beyond 5G.​

In collaboration with Toppan, a prominent figure in information processing and computer graphics, NTT Docomo announced plans to co-develop services tailored for the anticipated 6G era. This partnership intends to merge Toppan’s metaverse and advanced expression capabilities with Docomo’s Feel Tech platform, which is engineered to enhance human sensory experiences via 6G networks. The initial phase involves integrating Feel Tech with Toppan’s Metapa application, a metaverse platform featuring educational content for museums, designed to facilitate interactive learning. Development discussions are slated to commence in April 2025, with the goal of creating content that allows users to experience tactile sensations and material textures, thereby enriching art education through direct interaction. ​

Furthering its commitment to future 6G services, NTT Docomo, in conjunction with its parent company NTT Corporation, has demonstrated the effectiveness of in-network computing (INC). This architecture integrates and coordinates computing resources for services such as artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile networks, enabling end-to-end quality control to ensure low latency and optimized bandwidth usage. The demonstration was based on the Inclusive Core concept for the 6G/Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) next-generation networking project. ​

In a proof of concept conducted with Nokia, the GSMA-defined Open Gateway/Camara API was utilized to develop technologies for controlling network routing based on mobile network conditions. Additionally, new technologies were implemented to enable coordinated control between user communication devices and servers positioned near the user, allowing for on-demand computing services tailored to user needs.

At the NTT Docomo booth, located at Stand 4E50 in Hall 4, the company showcased its latest initiatives under the NTT Group’s “NTT C89” space-business strategy. This includes mobile-connectivity services using unmanned vehicles, or high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), that operate in the stratosphere for extended periods. These HAPS utilize relays to provide mobile connectivity in mountainous and remote areas, including at sea and in the sky. ​

In the realm of Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), NTT Docomo highlighted collaborations with global telecom operators. The company also presented Open RAN services offered by OREX SAI, Inc., a joint venture with NEC, leveraging the strengths of various global partners. ​

In the entertainment sector, NTT Docomo displayed MiRZA XR glasses by NTT QONOQ Devices, Inc., designed for diverse use cases, including enterprise solutions. Attendees had the opportunity to experience a touch-and-try demonstration of the NTT XR Real Support solution for remote work enabled by XR glasses. A commercial prototype of augmented reality (AR) glasses, scheduled for release from this summer onwards, was also on display. ​

Additionally, NTT Docomo showcased FEEL TECH, an innovative technology that transforms how sensory information is shared, tailoring to individual perceptions. Through a demonstration conveying the emotions and sensations of characters alongside visuals and sound, visitors experienced the company’s vision for the future of entertainment. ​

The company also presented the Virtual EXPO of Expo 2025, primarily developed by NTT QONOQ, Inc., aiming for a service launch in April. This virtual site allows visitors to experience the NTT Pavilion using various devices, offering a glimpse into the future of virtual exhibitions. ​

During the exhibition, Mr. Sadayuki Abeta, Chief Open RAN Strategist at NTT Docomo and Chief Technology Officer at OREX SAI, delivered a presentation on the company’s latest initiatives, case histories, and future plans at the MWC Broadcast Stage 2025 in Hall 4. The session took place on Tuesday, March 4, from 16:15 to 16:45. ​

In a significant development, Space Compass and NTT Docomo jointly announced the successful completion of data connectivity tests between an LTE base station and smartphones using HAPS in the stratosphere over Laikipia County, Kenya. The test involved a communication demonstration using LTE between the HAPS flying at altitudes around 20 km and 4G devices on the ground. The LTE base station was connected to the ground gateway station, and a relay technology called non-regenerative relay was used to reflect the radio waves through the communication device mounted on the HAPS. A throughput of more than 4.66 Mbps was observed during reception of the radio wave transmitted from the ground gateway station to the 4G device via HAPS. ​

The fixed-wing HAPS aircraft Zephyr, designed, manufactured, and operated by AALTO HAPS Limited, a subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space, was utilized for the testing. Zephyr has advanced aviation technology, having achieved a record for the longest flight of HAPS in 2022, with a continuous duration of 64 days. ​

Based on the results obtained through these test activities, Space Compass and NTT Docomo will continue to work towards their HAPS service’s targeted entry into service in 2026. They will also research and develop a space-based radio access network as a non-terrestrial network, with HAPS serving as key components to support ultra-wide mobile communication services in air, sea, and space.