KDDI to Offer Fiber Optic Broadcast Services

TOKYO, May 8 -- Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported yesterday that Japan's number two telecom firm, KDDI, has said it will soon offer broadcasting services using fiber optic connections.

A KDDI spokesman told the AFP, "We will expand our broadband businesses related to the optical fiber network," but did not elaborate. Local media reports said the company was preparing to launch the new service as early as October.

The AFP article quoted Nihon Keizai newspaper, which said KDDI will invest 120 billion yen ($1 billion) over the next five years to build a nationwide video distribution network and other infrastructure. It will also begin providing Internet protocol telephony services through fiber optic networks to offer a package of television and high-speed Internet connection services, the financial daily reported.

KDDI plans to register as a cable broadcaster with the Ministry of Telecommunications, under the Law Concerning Broadcast on Telecommunications Services, becoming the first major telecom firm to do so, according to Nihon Keizai and Jiji Press.

KDDI will offer Japan's first video-on-demand service using fiber optic cables, letting subscribers watch movies and other programs anytime for a fee. It will also offer a fiber optic IP telephony service this autumn, reported the AFP.

For more information, visit: www.kddi.com