Softbank floats plan for Japan-wide fiber network

which is 40% owned by the Finance Ministry and has virtually controlled the fixed-line phone line business for decades.

This will be softbanks biggest hurdle.

What a coincidence - Australia has the same problem with Telstra's monopoly over the copper network, and Australia is also trying to get fibre to the home.

which is 40% owned by the Finance Ministry and has virtually controlled the fixed-line phone line business for decades.

When are they gonna start paying back the 80,000 yen 'deposit' they used to charge for the use of one of those fixed lines?

Never USB

Why not a Japan-wide WIRELESS network? The speed may not be up to fiber standards but it would be much more useful. I wish them luck (and yes, I've been a softbank customer for many years)

Any competition is welcome! I know most Japanese do not want to hear this but South Korea, yes many Japanese always making fun of the Koreans, but they seem to have better internet connections than Japan, and if I remember, Singapore too.

@elbudamexicano

Koreans, but they seem to have better internet connections than Japan

Not true. Korea only has "more average coverage" per capita of broadband and fiber connections, mostly because of so many living in "mansion" style towers where the entire building is wired up. (and a big government push) However, their fiber speeds are nearly half as capable in speed, bandwidth is slightly less, but most importantly, the stability of the broadband in Korea is severely lacking. Japan's fiber network is super stable and consistent. Interestly however, most Korean ISP's are using fiber and equipment made by NTT Japan.

societymike: "However, their fiber speeds are nearly half as capable in speed, bandwidth is slightly less, but most importantly, the stability of the broadband in Korea is severely lacking."

Where on earth do you get this? It's not only the massive tower style mansions (and those are only in some places), but internet cafes EVERY WHERE. When I came to Japan there wasn't a single internet cafe in the city of Osaka.... anywhere. Speeds in SKorea are just fine as well.

Anyway, it's awesome that this is being done by Softbank; having the iPhone after Docomo foolishly rejected it has been a boon to the company, and they are moving forward while the others lag behind.