How 5G will boost Japan's digital future to the next level
- To unlock the potential of 5G in Japan, the country must address the differentiated connectivity needs of enterprises and the government.
- Ericsson supports Japan in staying competitive through 5G standalone (5G SA) network slicing and massive multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) networks.
Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area North East Asia at Ericsson
Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area North East Asia at Ericsson
Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area North East Asia at Ericsson
Japan has come to a technological crossroads. Japanese communications service providers (CSPs) were early adopters of 5G, and the country has embraced emerging mobile technology as a critical driver of its digital economy.
However, with fewer 5G site deployments compared to 4G and a mid-tier ranking for mobile on the latest Speedtest Global Index from Ookla, Japan’s global competitiveness is at risk.
Today, the country has a unique opportunity—and a growing need—to take the 5G network in Japan to the next level. To return to a growth-oriented economy, enterprises and governments must support AI and cloud at scale by capitalizing on differentiated mobile connectivity. For example, differentiated, programmable, and high-performing 5G networks will sharpen the competitive edge of Japan´s industrial manufacturing sector, which accounts for 20 percent of the country’s GDP.
Differentiated mobile connectivity will also be critical to meeting decarbonization goals, developing new public safety capabilities, and revitalizing rural areas by transforming public services, attracting new investment, and reversing the depopulation trend.
Digitalization is a global trend and a race with winners and losers. If Japan wants to be competitive and not lag behind its key economic and security partners, it must maintain and leverage top-quality, high-performing mobile networks.
Why are 5G SA and massive MIMO networks so important in Japan?
Best-effort 4G connectivity drove the transformation of the app economy, meeting the needs of most consumers. However, enterprises and governments have more demanding and specific needs for high-performing, programmable networks that offer differentiated services. To support these customers, networks need to be resilient and energy-efficient while ensuring a superior user experience in terms of availability, reliability, and speed.
To achieve this, CSPs globally are deploying transformational 5G SA networks via mid-band time division duplex (TDD), alternating uplink and downlink data transmission in time slots. 5G SA networks operate independently of existing 4G infrastructure by using a service-enabling 5G core that allows CSPs to offer new, advanced features.
While many CSPs have technically launched 5G SA networks, including in Japan, the challenge lies in driving adoption at scale. This involves expanding network coverage and density, as well as developing commercial models that facilitate value-based widespread use.
Massive MIMO is another key technology for maintaining and enhancing the quality of the 5G network in Japan. Comprised of several multi-antenna techniques, massive MIMO improves capacity and performance while saving energy. Based on Ericsson Silicon, this technology uses a large number of antennas at base stations to simultaneously transmit and receive data.
At scale, massive MIMO will improve user experience in densely populated areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, along major roadways, and for tech-savvy consumers who demand high performance on the latest devices.
Exploring the promise of network slicing for 5G in Japan
Network slicing and differentiated connectivity are foundational capabilities in 5G SA networks for enabling infrastructure monetization. A network slice is a secure, customizable network segment for different services. For instance, a slice might offer low latency and high reliability for one type of internet of things (IoT) deployment and higher latency for massive IoT applications. It can be dedicated to one user or shared among many, while more public-oriented use cases include remote broadcasting and mobile cloud gaming. For example, CSPs can guarantee seamless connectivity that allows vendors and fans to complete sales and upload photos and videos during concerts.
Enterprise users globally seek automated and operational processes from start to finish, delivered quickly and with high security. Network slicing allows CSPs to meet enterprise demands in ways that were not possible with 4G networks.
For example, Singtel developed a network-slicing proof of concept at the 2022 Grand Prix Singapore to enhance the fan experience. They later scaled this to events such as Singapore’s National Day parade, providing connectivity that meets the needs of both consumers and security officials. Singtel is now starting to commercialize its slicing capabilities.
Global scale means global innovation for Japan
At Ericsson, we operate in 180 countries, which allows us to keep learning with our customers and partners and collaborate with 5G front-runners. For example, India has put 5G at the heart of the country’s rapid digital transformation, and we have helped local CSPs roll out 5G at a record pace.
In Japan, we can combine this global expertise with our deep knowledge of the Japanese market. This makes us uniquely qualified to help CSPs monetize their networks, support local enterprises, and back the digitalization ambitions of the Japanese government.
Ericsson is also strengthening its collaborations to industrialize open radio access networks (open RAN). In the US, we are the leading partner of AT&T, which is transitioning 70 percent of its wireless network traffic to open RAN architectures by late 2026, and we will lead this work alongside other strategic partners.
Japan is one of our most important markets, where we have been a trusted supplier to leading CSPs for 40 years and currently have more than 1,000 employees. We are expanding our research and development operations in Japan while also collaborating on 6G research with the Yokohama National University and the University of Electro-Communications.
Japan needs to adopt a front-runner mentality on 5G networks, and Ericsson is committed to being an integral part of the country’s digital future. We are ready to build next-level networks with our Japanese customers that will maintain Japan’s leadership in technology across industries in the 21st century.
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Delve deeper into the potential of network slicing
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