SoftBank Corp. became the third carrier in Japan to activate its fifth-generation mobile network on April 1, joining NTT Docomo and KDDI Corp. in the rollout of high-speed connectivity. The Tokyo-based company promises data transfer rates 100 times faster than existing 4G infrastructure, enabling a two-hour feature film to download in seconds. SoftBank president Ken Miyauchi stated the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality 5G service, though the network’s current coverage remains limited.
The service is operational only in select areas across seven prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka, with a full nationwide rollout expected to take years. The speed improvement is measurable, but SoftBank’s strategic focus extends beyond consumer entertainment.
The company is investing heavily in industrial and medical applications where near-instant data relay is critical. Autonomous driving requires minimal latency for safe operation, and remote clinical services—including surgeries guided by doctors from distant locations—demand zero lag. These scenarios become viable with 5G in ways that 4G could not support.
A spokesperson for the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications noted that spectrum allocation for 5G will play an important role in the country’s digital economy. Japan has awarded spectrum rights to private companies, betting that the infrastructure will unlock new industries.
SoftBank was among the winners of that allocation and now faces the task of building out its network. Competition is intensifying. Rakuten Inc., the e-commerce giant that entered the mobile phone market in April, announced plans to launch its own 5G service in June.
As a newcomer building its network from scratch, Rakuten has no legacy 4G towers to upgrade, potentially allowing it to surpass older carriers in architecture and cost efficiency. Takashi Tanaka, a telecom analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, said the entry of new players will significantly increase competition, driving innovation and improving services.
His analysis suggests more rivals will lead to better deals for customers. SoftBank’s launch represents an initial step rather than a revolution. The network footprint is small, and compatible devices remain scarce. Most consumers will not notice a difference for months.
However, the groundwork is laid for a shifting Japanese telecom market long dominated by three major players. The immediate effect is likely to be price pressure.
Japanese mobile bills have been notoriously high, and the government has pushed for lower rates. While 5G gives carriers a reason to charge a premium for faster speeds and new services, it also gives customers reason to shop around. If Rakuten undercuts SoftBank on price while offering comparable speed, SoftBank will need to respond.
For now, SoftBank is selling speed. The long-term bet is on what that speed enables: factories operating without human workers, doctors performing procedures from across the country, and cars that drive themselves.
These are engineering challenges that 5G can address, and SoftBank is betting it can solve them before Rakuten enters the market in June.
