NTT Docomo to lease out LTE network - report

NTT Docomo plans to lease access to its high-speed mobile communications network based on LTE technology to other companies as early as this autumn, reports The Nikkei. This will enable firms lacking data communications facilities to obtain access from Docomo and in turn offer their own services to customers. They are expected to access data transmission speeds of up to 37.5mbps. Transmission speeds will reach 100mbps, on a par with FTTH, in 2014. Docomo is in negotiations to lease LTE access to Japan Communications, which hopes to join forces with consumer electronics manufacturers to commercialise LTE-ready devices like personal computers, tablet computers and game consoles. Japan Communications plans to offer diverse rate structures, including prepaid plans and charges based on hours of usage. Docomo's customer contracts for its LTE services, which it launched last December, came to just 72,600 at the end of May, largely because coverage is limited to certain areas. The company will invest around JPY 340 billion in its LTE facilities through fiscal 2014 to expand the coverage area. By leasing out access, Docomo aims to quickly recoup its investment. The communications ministry is encouraging leasing, which could spur domestic and foreign firms to enter the market. An influx of diverse service plans and rate structures could help spread the high-speed mobile communications technology.