Japan Completes First Spectrum Auction and Awards 26 GHz 5G Frequencies to NTT DOCOMO, JTOWER and HYTEC INTER
Japan has completed a landmark spectrum assignment in the 26 GHz band, introducing price-based competitive bidding for mobile spectrum for the first time. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) conducted the auction between 11 June and 25 June 2026, with the results announced on 30 June.
The process awarded two different types of 26 GHz spectrum rights: a nationwide 400 MHz block and a geographically targeted 200 MHz regional block. NTT DOCOMO secured the nationwide allocation, while JTOWER and HYTEC INTER obtained regional spectrum rights covering selected municipalities across Japan.
The auction represents an important change in Japan's spectrum management framework. Rather than relying exclusively on comparative assessment of network deployment plans, the new system introduced price competition for high-frequency spectrum above 6 GHz while retaining eligibility and deployment requirements for participating companies.
Japan 26 GHz Spectrum Auction Results
| Licence Category | Frequency Range | Bandwidth | Winner | Coverage | Winning Amount | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Block | 25.8–26.2 GHz | 400 MHz | NTT DOCOMO | Nationwide | JPY 6.288 billion | 10 years |
| Regional Block | 26.8–27.0 GHz | 200 MHz | JTOWER | 13 regional areas | JPY 468.71 million total | 10 years |
| Regional Block | 26.8–27.0 GHz | 200 MHz | HYTEC INTER | 21 regional areas | JPY 8.184 million total | 10 years |
Combined winning bids from the three successful participants amounted to approximately JPY 6.765 billion.
NTT DOCOMO Wins Nationwide 400 MHz Block
NTT DOCOMO secured the nationwide licence covering 25.8–26.2 GHz, providing the operator with 400 MHz of contiguous 26 GHz spectrum that can be deployed across Japan under the conditions of the authorization.
Three bidding groups competed for the nationwide allocation: NTT DOCOMO, KDDI together with Okinawa Cellular Telephone, and SoftBank. The nationwide auction was completed after four bidding rounds.
| Frequency Range | Bandwidth | Winner | Minimum Auction Price | Winning Price | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25.8–26.2 GHz | 400 MHz | NTT DOCOMO | JPY 3.93 billion | JPY 6.288 billion | 4 |
DOCOMO's final bid exceeded the minimum auction value by JPY 2.358 billion. The resulting 400 MHz allocation provides a substantial channel for future high-capacity 5G deployments using millimeter-wave spectrum.
The nationwide licence has a validity period of 10 years. Importantly, the nationwide character of the authorization defines where the spectrum may be used; it does not by itself imply immediate nationwide 26 GHz network coverage.
Regional 26 GHz Spectrum Introduces a Different Allocation Model
The second part of the auction covered 26.8–27.0 GHz, providing 200 MHz of spectrum through municipality-based regional authorizations.
Unlike the nationwide allocation, the same 200 MHz frequency range can be licensed independently in different geographic areas. This allows the spectrum to be reused across municipalities rather than assigning separate frequency blocks to every regional winner.
MIC designed the regional category specifically to support participation by new and regional operators. Existing nationwide mobile operators were therefore separated from this part of the assignment process, creating an alternative route into high-frequency 5G infrastructure deployment.
JTOWER and HYTEC INTER participated in the regional allocation and ultimately secured rights across 34 geographic areas between them.
JTOWER Secures 26.8–27.0 GHz Spectrum in 13 Areas
JTOWER obtained the 200 MHz regional block in 13 strategically selected areas across Japan. The company's combined winning bids for these licences amounted to JPY 468.71 million.
| Prefecture | Approved Area |
|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Chitose City |
| Chiba | Chiba City |
| Chiba | Urayasu City |
| Tokyo | 23 Special Wards |
| Kanagawa | Yokohama City |
| Aichi | Nagoya City |
| Osaka | Osaka City |
| Osaka | Izumisano City |
| Osaka | Tajiri Town, Sennan District |
| Osaka | Sennan City |
| Hyogo | Takarazuka City |
| Fukuoka | Fukuoka City |
| Kumamoto | Kikuyo Town, Kikuchi District |
The regional portfolio includes several of Japan's largest metropolitan markets, including Tokyo's 23 wards, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka, alongside selected transport, industrial and regional locations.
JTOWER Becomes First Japanese Infrastructure-Sharing Operator with Its Own Spectrum Allocation
Following the auction, JTOWER received formal approval for its 26.8–27.0 GHz assignments from the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications on 15 July 2026.
The approval represents a notable development in the Japanese telecommunications sector because JTOWER became the country's first infrastructure-sharing operator to receive its own spectrum allocation.
The company has traditionally focused on shared telecommunications infrastructure, including common indoor systems and outdoor tower facilities used by multiple mobile operators. Access to dedicated 26 GHz spectrum creates an opportunity to extend that model by combining shared physical infrastructure with radio resources assigned directly to JTOWER.
JTOWER has indicated that it intends to work with mobile network operators, municipalities and other partners to develop communications environments tailored to regional requirements. The model could be particularly relevant in locations where deploying several separate high-frequency networks would be less efficient than using shared infrastructure.
HYTEC INTER Secures Regional Spectrum in 21 Areas
HYTEC INTER was the second successful bidder in the regional category, obtaining authorization to use 26.8–27.0 GHz across 21 municipalities and local areas. Its combined winning bids amounted to JPY 8.184 million.
| Prefecture | Approved Area |
|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Furano City |
| Hokkaido | Eniwa City |
| Hokkaido | Kitahiroshima City |
| Hokkaido | Numata Town |
| Hokkaido | Kamifurano Town |
| Hokkaido | Nakafurano Town |
| Hokkaido | Akkeshi Town |
| Hokkaido | Hamanaka Town |
| Hokkaido | Betsukai Town |
| Yamanashi | Fujiyoshida City |
| Yamanashi | Oshino Village |
| Yamanashi | Yamanakako Village |
| Shizuoka | Gotemba City |
| Shizuoka | Susono City |
| Shizuoka | Oyama Town |
| Shiga | Takashima City |
| Nagasaki | Tsushima City |
| Oita | Yufu City |
| Oita | Kokonoe Town |
| Oita | Kusu Town |
| Okinawa | Yonaguni Town |
The geographic distribution of HYTEC INTER's licences differs considerably from JTOWER's largely metropolitan portfolio. Its allocation includes multiple areas in Hokkaido as well as municipalities in Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Shiga, Nagasaki, Oita and Okinawa.
Chitose Produces the Regional Auction's Main Competitive Contest
Most regional areas did not require extended price competition because only one qualified participant requested the relevant municipality. Chitose City in Hokkaido was the notable exception, attracting interest from both JTOWER and HYTEC INTER.
The minimum auction value for Chitose was JPY 1.3 million. Competition continued for 35 bidding rounds before JTOWER secured the licence with a winning bid of JPY 10.14 million.
| Regional Area | Frequency | Minimum Price | Winner | Winning Price | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chitose City, Hokkaido | 26.8–27.0 GHz | JPY 1.3 million | JTOWER | JPY 10.14 million | 35 |
The Chitose result demonstrates how municipality-level spectrum pricing can produce very different valuations depending on competing demand for a particular location.
From Administrative Selection to Spectrum Price Competition
The 2026 26 GHz assignment introduces a new mechanism into Japan's mobile spectrum policy. Previous mobile frequency allocations were primarily based on administrative assessment of applicants and their network development plans. The new framework adds competitive pricing for eligible high-frequency spectrum.
For the 26 GHz process, applicants first had to pass MIC's eligibility review before they could participate in the price competition. Applications were accepted between 10 March and 9 April 2026, and five qualified participants were notified on 15 May.
The competitive phase then ran from 11 June through 25 June, with the winners formally announced on 30 June.
Japan 26 GHz Auction Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 10 March 2026 | Applications for participation opened |
| 9 April 2026 | Application period closed |
| 15 May 2026 | Five qualified participants notified |
| 11 June 2026 | Price competition began |
| 25 June 2026 | Auction concluded |
| 30 June 2026 | Winning bidders announced |
| 15 July 2026 | Frequency allocation approvals formally presented |
Why the 26 GHz Band Matters for Japan's 5G Development
The newly assigned frequencies provide large contiguous channels designed for fifth-generation mobile communication systems. The nationwide allocation gives NTT DOCOMO a 400 MHz block, while regional licensees have access to 200 MHz in their respective authorized areas.
High-frequency spectrum can provide substantial capacity for environments with concentrated demand. Its propagation characteristics, however, differ from lower mobile bands, making network architecture, site density and infrastructure availability particularly important when developing commercial services.
The regional model provides an additional approach to this challenge by allowing spectrum to be assigned selectively to individual municipalities rather than requiring an operator to acquire nationwide rights.
Nationwide and Regional Spectrum Serve Different Deployment Models
| Characteristic | Nationwide Block | Regional Block |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 25.8–26.2 GHz | 26.8–27.0 GHz |
| Bandwidth | 400 MHz | 200 MHz |
| Geographic scope | Japan-wide authorization | Individual municipalities / regional areas |
| Winner(s) | NTT DOCOMO | JTOWER and HYTEC INTER |
| Authorization period | 10 years | 10 years |
| Allocation model | Single nationwide licence | Same spectrum reused in separate geographic areas |
This distinction is central to understanding the auction results. JTOWER and HYTEC INTER did not receive separate portions of the 200 MHz regional band. Both obtained rights to the same 26.8–27.0 GHz frequency range, but in different geographic locations.
Summary of Japan's 2026 26 GHz Spectrum Auction
Japan's first price-based spectrum auction produced three successful bidders and established two distinct models for future 26 GHz deployment.
NTT DOCOMO secured 400 MHz at 25.8–26.2 GHz for nationwide use with a JPY 6.288 billion winning bid. JTOWER obtained the 200 MHz regional block at 26.8–27.0 GHz across 13 areas for a combined JPY 468.71 million, while HYTEC INTER obtained the same regional frequency range across 21 separate areas for JPY 8.184 million.
The outcome introduces new participants into the country's spectrum allocation landscape and creates an alternative municipality-based framework alongside conventional nationwide mobile licences. JTOWER's subsequent certification also marks the first time an infrastructure-sharing operator in Japan has received a direct spectrum allocation.
The practical impact of the auction will now depend on how the three successful bidders translate their frequency rights into operational 26 GHz networks during the ten-year authorization period. For Japan, the process also establishes an important precedent for the future use of competitive spectrum pricing in high-frequency mobile bands.
Full spectrum allocation details for Japan are available here: https://www.spectrum-tracker.com/Japan