Japanese Carriers May Start Part of 5G Services Next Year

October 4, 2018

Tokyo- Three major Japanese mobile phone carriers have shown their intentions to launch part of their planned fifth-generation, or 5G, mobile communications services as early as 2019.

The three--NTT Docomo Inc., KDDI Corp. and Softbank Group Corp.--explained their 5G policies at a communications ministry hearing Wednesday. Cybermall operator Rakuten Inc., set to become a fourth carrier next year, also attended the session.

The three carriers previously planned to start their 5G services in 2020, when the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will be held.

The 5G technology will allow data transmissions 10 times faster than the current fourth-generation telecommunications.

The three carriers plan to rent out 5G-compatible devices and provide 5G services in some areas on a trial basis next year. Rakuten expects to launch its 5G services in 2020. Jiji Press