As one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, Japan has fiber and copper network infrastructure throughout the country. While fiber is clearly the future, the existing copper infrastructure is being enhanced with G.fast to deliver ultra-broadband access until such time it is replaced. To make this possible, Energia Communications (EnCom) has entered into a partnership with Nokia (News - Alert) and signed a distributor agreement to sell its G.fast fixed ultra-broadband access technology in Japan to deliver next generation communications and broadband services.
Energia Communications provides a wide range of information and communication technologies, including data center, network solutions, system construction, software development, and consulting along with IP communications and Internet services. With this partnership, the company has become Nokia's first customer for next-generation broadband access technology in Japan, and as such it will become a reseller for the fixed access technology.
Satoshi Kumagai, CEO of Energia Communications, said, “Ten months ago we became Nokia's first G.fast technology customer in Japan and one of the first customers worldwide. We have been very happy with the service and have complete trust in Nokia's capability and strengths of its fixed access business, which is why we decided to take the relationship forward as a successful business partnership/reseller model.”
Using Nokia Bell Labs (News - Alert)' vectoring technology, G.fast speeds of 10Gbps on a single copper pair have been achieved. This has made it possible for network operators to deliver fiber-like speeds to copper lines where fiber to the home or FTTH is not always possible. With G.fast, EnCom is going to be able to deliver a fast, easy and economical way to replace traditional VDSL2 technology so subscribers can access high-speed broadband and next generation communication services.
The G.fast service allows providers to roll out FTTH faster and extend ultra-broadband services over copper cable over short distances for multi-dwelling units such as apartments and condominiums.
“This strategic partnership with EneCom will increase G.fast deployments in Japan, providing real benefits to subscribers who might otherwise be unable to enjoy ultra-broadband speeds. Japan is a very important market to us, and we look forward to a successful venture that will boost local economies,” said Jae Won, head of Nokia in Japan.
Extending ultra-broadband with fiber deployment is not always possible, and if it is, the cost is usually very high. With the right G.fast solution, service providers are able to lower the capital expenditure by avoiding the cost of extending fiber to every building and home. According to Nokia, its G.fast-enabled FTTfd optical network terminal (ONT) lowers the cost and labor by supporting reverse power and subscriber self-installation. This will accelerate FTTH rollouts and provide next generation communications services for consumers.
Edited by Alicia Young