Tokyo Metro and the Tokyo metropolitan government inked a deal with UQ Communications to install WiMAX infrastructure and facilities to provide coverage in Tokyo’s subway system. Financial details were not released at this time.
UQ Communications will pay for the cost to install the new communication services, which is planned to operate at both train stations and in moving trains.
The investment is welcome as mobile networks currently allow cell phone coverage inside train stations, but without the benefit of working within moving trains.
WiMAX services are planned to be available for use starting in March.
UQ Corp. started its mobile WiMAX service in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki in 2009. UQ investors include Intel Capital Corp., East Japan Railway Co., Kyocera Corp. and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd.
Softbank Corp., a Japanese telecom and media conglomerate with operations in broadband, fixed-line telecommunications, e-commerce, Internet, technology services, finance, media and marketing, and the Tokyo metropolitan government reached an agreement to provide user access to cell networks in subway trains by December.
Currently, Softbank is the only official carrier of Apple Inc.’s iPhone in Japan.
WiMAX goes subterranean to provide Tokyo subway coverage
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