Japan may oblige phone firms to open networks

TOKYO – The Japanese telecommunications ministry is considering requiring NTT DoCoMo Inc. and other mobile phone companies to open their networks to newcomers, a newspaper said.

The ministry of public management, home affairs and posts and telecommunications may oblige the firms to lease the networks for the brand-new third-generation (3G) mobile service, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said.

The ministry move follows a decision by KDDI Corp. to become the first Japanese carrier to open its mobile network to other companies, the economic daily said.

KDDI, Japan’s number two telecoms firm, has basically agreed with a Tokyo-based start-up company to lease surplus networks for Personal Handyphone System (PHS) limited mobile services, it said.

Virgin Group of Britain is also approaching KDDI for possible use of its cellphone networks, it said.

No immediate comment was available from KDDI.