Japan - FTTH

FTTH Subscriptions Surpass 10 Million, Japan's MIC Announces

Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has announced the number of subscriptions to optical fiber-based FTTH (fiber to the home) Internet access service reached about 10.5 million as of the end of September 2007.

The MIC announced broadband subscriptions in Japan as of the end of September 2007 as well. The number of total subscriptions was 27.8 million, according to the MIC. This figure includes 10,518,659 subscriptions to FTTH, 13,794,314 subscriptions to DSL, 3,748,618 subscriptions to Internet access via cable TV and 12,451 subscriptions to fixed wireless access (FWA) services.

FTTH subscriptions grew by about 564,000 compared with those at the end of June 2007. The growth was, however, slower than before. If growth remains at the current rate, FTTH subscriptions are likely to just exceed 18 million at the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, DSL subscriptions declined about 310,000 compared with those at the end of June 2007. Subscriptions to FTTH and DSL services are expected to even out around the end of July 2008.