Digital Inclusion

Fast wireless services set for rural areas in Japan

By Alice Kok | 23 October 2008

The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry has established a panel to promote next-generation fast wireless Internet communication services for rural areas.

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The region-specific service is named Regional WiMAX and this new technology enables service operators to provide low-cost broadband Internet access to isolated areas, such as mountainous areas and islands, which are difficult to reach with fiber-optic services. The ministry expects the service to end the debate on the digital divide between cities and rural areas.

The ministry issued a preliminary license in June for Regional WiMAX to 42 companies including cable television providers. The panel to promote the service comprises of 145 organisations and individuals, including broadcasting stations and local governments. Its task will be to discuss measures to expand the areas covered by WiMAX.

The next-generation service enables the Internet to be accessed outdoors, and works similarly to ADSL services. The government wants the entire nation to have access to broadband Internet services, and in this regard, Regional WiMAX is regarded by the Internarl Affairs Ministry as the ace up its sleeve.

Providing homes located in mountainous regions or isolated islands with fiber-optic internet access is expensive. Conversely, Regional WiMAX only requires the establishment of 10 to 20 base stations in each area—at a cost of about US$102,000 per base. According to the ministry, this choice will minimize financial outlays.

The 42 licensed companies will start operations from the end of 2008, with about 630,000 households being covered. To help promote the new service, the Internal Affairs Ministry is planning to subsidise the companies that provide Regional WiMAX.