Japanese telcos assigned 5G spectrum
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Japan’s telecom ministry has allocated 5G mobile spectrum to incumbent operators NTT Docomo, KDDI, and Softbank, as well as local e-commerce giant Rakuten.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has approved the allocation of spectrum after determining that the companies’ applications met the conditions of the allocation.
The four companies plan to invest heavily in 5G, spending a combined 1.6 trillion yen ($14.4 billion) over the next five years. Docomo is planning the largest spend, with goals to invest at least 795 billion yen in 5G over this time.
The four plan to commence commercial 5G services in 2020, with KDDI and SoftBank planning to commence advertising for its services in March.
Rakuten Mobile, Japan’s upcoming newest market entrant, meanwhile plans to commence 4G services in October 2019 and 5G services in June 2020.
The conditions for the allocation of spectrum included commitments to commence services in every prefecture of the nation within two years, and set up 5G base stations in at least half the country within five years.
According to the report, Docomo and KDDI are each targeting more than 90% 5G population coverage by the end of the five years, while SoftBank is targeting 64% coverage while Rakuten is aiming for 56%.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which companies received allocations of 5G spectrum from the Japanese telecom ministry?
Which companies received allocations of 5G spectrum from the Japanese telecom ministry?
The Japanese telecom ministry allocated 5G mobile spectrum to NTT Docomo, KDDI, Softbank, and the e-commerce company Rakuten. These four companies had their applications approved after meeting the allocation conditions.
Q.What are the main conditions that companies had to meet to receive 5G spectrum allocation?
What are the main conditions that companies had to meet to receive 5G spectrum allocation?
The conditions for spectrum allocation included commitments to launch services in every prefecture within two years. Also, companies must establish 5G base stations in at least half of the country within a five-year period.
Q.When do the companies plan to start offering commercial 5G services to customers?
When do the companies plan to start offering commercial 5G services to customers?
The four companies intend to launch commercial 5G services in 2020. KDDI and SoftBank plan to begin advertising their services in March, while Rakuten Mobile aims to launch its 5G services in June 2020.
Q.What are the anticipated investment levels and coverage targets for the allocated spectrum?
What are the anticipated investment levels and coverage targets for the allocated spectrum?
The companies plan to invest a combined 1.6 trillion yen over five years, with Docomo committing the largest share. Docomo and KDDI target over 90% 5G population coverage, while SoftBank aims for 64% and Rakuten 56%.
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