these new service will be open to a limited number of subscribers and will use the infrastructure of host network operator NTT DOCOMO . KDDI in Japan lowered the smartphone fees by 20 % to fight budget oriented consumers availing plans that offer up to 5GB of data and unlimited voice calling .
Japan ’ s mobile network operators ( MNOs ) such as NTT DOCOMO , SoftBank and KDDI are keen in investing into 5G technology that was nationwide target by 2023 . The three MNO ’ s are launching new generation services commercially in 2020 , the anticipated surge in interest for IoT and self-drive cars is expected to help fuel the rise in consumer spending . Nokia is signing a distributor agreement with Chugoku Electric Power Company-owned Energia Communications ( EneCom ) to sell its G . fast fixed ultra-broadband access technology in Japan .
Simple innovations such as advanced wearables and fully autonomous vehicles may take a few years to emerge . A drastic growth in smartphone usage was observed and is a continuing opportunity for all telecom sub-sectors , including wireless and wireline / broadband carriers , network equipment / infrastructure companies , and device manufacturers for positive growth . There is a huge investment in emerging areas and all the telecommunication companies are focused on connectivity-first which allowed carriers to strengthen their brand and networks .
The two major factors Japan ’ s telecommunication is focusing on are content and the internet of things ( IoT ). The delivering enhanced content to any type of screen is becoming a reality , enabled by advances in network technology , and higher speeds . The consumer oriented items comprising of the IoT includes wearables , connected cars , smart homes such as lighting , security , entertainment .
The government and enterprise connected items are smart businesses such as fleet management , and smart cities such as parking , city lighting , asset monitoring and tracking , and video security which are the areas of growth in the coming years . Japanese consumers demand for digital technologies that are easier to control their homes , cars and will help to drive incremental revenue in the ecosystem .
Telecommunication carriers in Japan focus on providing data and voice services that are high quality , reliable , and affordable . The carriers need to upgrade to their core connectivity infrastructure to fifth generation ( 5G ) mobile networks and more funds are require for areas such as IoT , autonomous vehicles , industry verticals , M & A , and international expansion .
The availability of new technologies and innovations in Japan may make 2017 the year of digital transformation for the telecommunications sector . With the decrease in the Japanese population , the telecommunications sector is growing in leaps and bounds .