Japanese telecommunications operators have established a cooperative framework designed to accelerate the restoration of networks after large-scale disasters.
The consortium, which began operations on 1 December 2024, includes six subsidiaries of the NTT Group, KDDI Corporation, SoftBank, and Rakuten Mobile. This joint effort aims to strengthen disaster response and recovery capabilities across the industry.
Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has acknowledged the initiative. Following recognition for the carriers’ performance during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the ministry expects this formalised cooperation will lead to faster, more effective recovery of communications services when disasters strike.
Key elements of the framework include:
- Shared use of assets for network restoration
Participating carriers can jointly use facilities and resources such as business premises, accommodations for staff, storage sites, and refuelling stations. Pooling these assets allows operators to mobilise personnel and equipment more quickly, reducing delays in restoring communications in affected areas.
- Use of cable-laying ships for relief transport and temporary networks
NTT Group and KDDI Corporation will leverage their cable-laying vessels to deliver critical supplies—portable base stations, generators, fuel, mobile devices, water and food—to coastal regions impacted by disasters. SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile will be able to install their own base stations on board these ships, enabling rapid re-establishment of mobile coverage for communities isolated by coastal damage.
- Closer cooperation between mobile and fixed-line operators
The framework promotes strengthened information-sharing between mobile and fixed-line operators to better assess damage and prioritise restoration. Identifying interruptions to fixed-line infrastructure that affect key sites such as municipal centres and hospitals will allow carriers to focus resources where they are most needed, restoring services to critical locations more quickly.
By combining immediate response measures with actions that build long-term resilience, the eight companies aim to support a safer and more sustainable society. The collaboration highlights their commitment to using shared expertise and resources to maintain public safety and continuity of communications during crises.
With natural disasters occurring more frequently, this cooperative framework marks a proactive step toward protecting Japan’s communications networks and improving national preparedness and response capabilities.
(Photo by Tianshu Liu)
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