SoftBank developing Twin Access mobile service

Japan’s SoftBank is developing a new Twin Access mobile network service for enterprises using equipment from NEC.

The Twin Access service provides two simultaneous mobile network connections to maintain a state of constant, active connectivity between NEC line terminal equipment and devices employing virtualization technology.

It uses the packet copy capsuled (PCC) technology jointly developed by SoftBank and NEC to offer improved transmission quality with higher packet arrival rates than conventional single mobile line systems.

SoftBank VP for networks Takenori Kobayashi said the service is designed to be used as an alternative to fixed broadband networks.

“Because of its high quality of service, Twin Access can be used at locations where optical fiber lines are not provided, or as an alternative to metal-wired lines such as DSL or digital access,” he said.

“In addition, by utilizing the unique features of mobile networks, such as their freedom from cable installations, Twin Access makes it possible to build flexible, economical, short-term networks; such as temporary networks for use at construction sites and event venues.”

SoftBank and NEC plan to conduct field trials of the technology ahead of the full-scale commercial launch of Twin Access by October. SoftBank aims to deploy the new service in Japan as part of the access lineup for its Smart VPN service.