Japan, 12.09.2023

Japan frequency spectrum allocation 

Just today we updated our database with relevant details about spectrum assignment in Japan.

More details you can see here:  https://www.spectrum-tracker.com/Japan

In the technologically advanced landscape of Japan, mobile connectivity is a cornerstone of daily life. Whether it's for lightning-fast internet browsing, crystal-clear voice calls, or staying connected on social media, mobile operators in Japan rely on a carefully allocated spectrum to deliver seamless services to their customers. In this article, we'll explore the spectrum allocated to mobile operators in Japan and how it shapes the country's telecommunications industry.

The allocation of spectrum in Japan is managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). To ensure fairness and competition in the telecommunications sector, the Japanese government conducts periodic spectrum auctions. These auctions offer mobile operators the opportunity to obtain licenses for specific frequency bands, enabling them to expand and improve their services.

Japan's mobile operators primarily operate in several key spectrum bands, each with its unique characteristics and applications:

1. Low-Band Spectrum (Sub-1 GHz): This spectrum band is prized for its excellent coverage and ability to penetrate buildings and obstacles. Mobile operators use it to provide reliable indoor and outdoor coverage, especially in rural areas.

2. Mid-Band Spectrum (1-6 GHz): This spectrum band offers a balance between coverage and capacity. Mobile operators deploy it for high-speed data services in urban and suburban regions, striking a balance between coverage and capacity.

3. High-Band Spectrum (Above 6 GHz): High-band spectrum, also known as millimeter-wave spectrum, enables extremely high data speeds but has limited coverage. Mobile operators deploy this spectrum for 5G services in densely populated urban areas.

Key Players

Japan's telecommunications industry is dominated by three major mobile operators:

1. NTT DOCOMO: One of the largest mobile operators in Japan, NTT DOCOMO boasts an extensive network and is at the forefront of 5G deployment. They operate across various spectrum bands to provide a comprehensive range of services.

2. KDDI (au): KDDI is another major player known for its commitment to innovation. They have been actively expanding their spectrum holdings to strengthen their position in the Japanese market.

3. SoftBank: SoftBank has been a driving force behind the introduction of disruptive pricing strategies and innovative services. They have also been actively involved in spectrum auctions to ensure their competitive edge.

 

On top of those 3 mentioned players, Rakuten is also present, but with limited frequency spectrum assets available. 

Japan is rapidly advancing toward the widespread deployment of 5G technology. To accommodate the demands of this next-generation wireless standard, mobile operators have been actively securing spectrum in higher frequency bands. 5G is expected to revolutionize industries, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and support for a multitude of new applications, including IoT and augmented reality.