Japanese operator Softbank announced plans to launch a new mobile broadband service at up to 110Mbps in November. Coming in response to rival Docomo's recently launched LTE service, Softbank's 4G service will be based on a new version of PHS technology, known as AXGP (Advanced eXtended Global Platform). The company earlier announced equipment deals with Huawei for the AXGP radio network, which is also compatible with TD-LTE, with Ericsson for an evolved packet core and with Alcatel-Lucent for IP backhaul equipment. Softbank will launch the network first with only data services over USB modems, in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, and phones for the service should be available by early next year, according to news agency reports. The company announced the plans at a press conference on its winter-spring range of phones, which will include 15 new models from manufacturers such as Dell, Sharp, ZTE and Panasonic.
