KDDI is deploying G.fast in Japan to tackle its huge MDU opportunity

via Flickr © brewbooks (CC BY-SA 2.0)

via Flickr © brewbooks (CC BY-SA 2.0)

  • G.fast is still here and it looks as though it will play a valuable role in getting broadband into multi-dwelling units (and more)
  • Japan's KDDI is using Nokia's solution to give it an economical migration path from VDSL to G.fast
  • As a result KDDI is able to offer customers 830Mbps combined uplink/downlink 

 

It looks as though copper access networks are going to play an ongoing role in getting broadband into homes as it becomes clearer that engineering that very last broadband segment as a fibre link is a huge cost barrier.  Every year the per unit cost of engineering fibre right to the premises grows (installer costs don't diminish over time), while all the other costs involved in delivering broadband Internet access fall steadily. 

And that means using existing copper for the final drop can remain an attractive proposition. Keeps costs down for CSPs and means subscribers can self install for one thing (see - The critical puzzle-piece for fixed 5G: self-install technology), plus there are no appointments for subscribers to keep and no domestic disruption. 

So where once, a few years ago, the big rivalry in broadband was between fibre and copper, in the next period it's just as likely also to be between fixed broadband wireless and copper access technologies like G.Fast. Both overcome the expensive final segment problem and both have the potential for complete self-install. 

That's why KDDI is using G.fast for a large number of MDU locations where copper is already installed. G.fast uses vectoring technology to effectively reduce cross-talk interference that typically impacts data speeds over copper networks and can be engineered to minimize the impact to existing VDSL systems - enabling operators to quickly upgrade their high-speed internet service to gigabit class through a simple CPE (customer premises equipment) replacement.   

Read more below

KDDI deploys Nokia G.fast solution to bring new services to its 'au Hikari' customers in Japan

  • KDDI deploys Nokia gigabit G.fast solution in live commercial network to provide  customers with 'au Hikari Type G' broadband services 
  • Nokia G.fast technology is industry's only solution that is interoperable with the Japan's VDSL technology 
  • Nokia solution provides KDDI with economical migration path from VDSL to G.fast, enabling KDDI to offer 830Mbps combined uplink and downlink speeds to customers at an attractive price

4 February, 2019

Tokyo - KDDI, a leading telecommunications operator in Japan, is deploying Nokia's G.fast solution to apartments and multi-dwelling units (MDU) buildings to deliver ultra-broadband services to customers. Reducing the need to install new fiber, Nokia's technology will enable KDDI to use existing copper lines in MDU buildings to deliver 830Mbps combined uplink and downlink speeds to customers.

To support customers' ultra-broadband needs, Japanese operators are using fiber where possible along with new technologies like G.fast for a large number of MDU locations where copper is already installed. Developed by Nokia Bell Labs, G.fast uses vectoring technology to effectively reduce cross-talk interference that typically impacts data speeds over copper networks.  Providing support for Japan's VDSL2 specifications, Nokia's G.fast solution will minimize the impact to existing VDSL systems and enable operators to quickly upgrade their high-speed internet service to gigabit class through a simple CPE (customer premises equipment) replacement.   

KDDI has been deploying Nokia's G.fast solution and has started its rollout of 'au Hikari MDU Type G'.

Teresa Mastrangelo, principal analyst at Broadband Trends said: "G.fast continues to be a preferred choice for operators seeking to deliver gigabit broadband services to MDUs as it eliminates many of the issues found with FTTH deployments such as building types and access.  However, in Japan, deploying G.fast can be just as challenging as fiber due to the unique VDSL ecosystem and standards in place.  As one of the few vendors capable of supporting both the global and local Japanese VDSL standard, Nokia has been able to help KDDI capitalize on the benefits of G.fast and seamlessly scale and migrate their network with minimal disruption.  This win is another great example for how G.fast technology is being used to quickly address customers need for greater broadband speeds."     

Shigenari Saito, Administrative Officer, General Manager, Network Technology Development Division, Technology Sector, at KDDI said:  "KDDI already provides 10Gbps service for our 'au Hikari' FTTH customers, but the speed we can provide has been limited to 100Mbps service for MDUs where fiber is difficult to deploy.  Nokia's G.fast solution enables us to connect existing 100Mbps users and new G.fast users under the same DPU (distribution point unit).  This gives us the flexibility and economical path to meet the customer's demands for higher speed.  Our decision to deploy Nokia G.fast is based on our long-term relationship,  Nokia continues to be our long-term partner for delivering technology innovations." 

Sandra Motley, president of Nokia's Fixed Networks Business Group, said: "Operators looking to quickly roll out new ultra-broadband services are increasingly adopting multi-technology strategies that allow them to maximize the use of both fiber and copper technologies. This is particularly true in some cases like inside an apartment building, where more traditional Fiber-to-the-Home solutions can be very challenging to deploy. We are excited to be working with KDDI to deploy our G.fast solution to deliver fiber-like speeds that will enhance the way customers experience their broadband services."

Did You Know

  • Nokia is the only vendor who can provide interoperability between G.fast and the Japan-specific VDSL technology.
  • Nokia's G.fast solution meets all Japanese specifications and environmental conditions
  • There are more than 30M households using FTTH/FTTB services in Japan, of which approximately 9 million are MDU residents. 
  • There are approximately 5-6 million VDLS2 users in Japan that will need to migrate to G.fast due to support demand for higher broadband speeds. 
  • Migration from a Japan unique VDSL system to a globally standardized Nokia G.fast system can provide Japanese operators a future-proof path to deliver even higher speeds such as 2Gbps with 212MHz in the future.
This content extract was originally sourced from an external website (Nokia) and is the copyright of the external website owner. TelecomTV is not responsible for the content of external websites. Legal Notices

Email Newsletters

Sign up to receive TelecomTV's top news and videos, plus exclusive subscriber-only content direct to your inbox.