Nov 1 2010
Softbank announced that it has proposed a new plan to build fiber-optic cables all over Japan by replacing the current telephone lines. The fiber-optic cable project is a $6.2 billion joint venture.
The Chief Executive Officer of Softbank, Masayoshi Son commented that the plan will require the support of the Japanese government and two other major firms, KDDI and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone. Son added that the proposal, known as the new broadband super highway, has been submitted to the government for consideration.
Wireless telecommunication network could be an ideal alternative to an optical fiber network but its technical obstacles make the latter more feasible and inexpensive. Japan, currently has 40 million traditional telephone lines that are likely to take five years to be completely replaced with optical fiber cables, Son added.
Softbank, a latecomer to the telecommunication business in Japan, is the only mobile carrier provider to offer the iPhone services in the country.