Japanese operator SoftBank is set to launch its 4G services this week, offering subscribers theoretical peak download speeds of up to 76Mb/s,
IDG News reports.
The network is described as being an evolution of Japan’s PHS cordless network, called AXGP. However, at Mobile Asia Congress in November 2011, the company said that this is “
basically exactly the same as TD-LTE,” therefore being compatible with the international TD-LTE ecosystem.
The company will initially offer services via a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling up to 10 users to share the mobile connection. It previously said its intention is to offer a smartphone with TD-LTE support by the “summer or autumn,” although no details of this have been released.
Services will cost around JPY5,500 per month (US$69), or JPY3,900 for existing smartphone or tablet subscribers. This includes a 5GB transfer limit before services are throttled to 128Kbps, although this can be extended for an additional fee.
IDG News said that the service will initially only be available in Japan’s major cities, outside of which subscribers will fall back to the operator’s HSPA+ network. In November, SoftBank said it is targeting 92 percent population coverage this year.
SoftBank previously said that it was planning to launch its network in March 2012.