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Japan eyes to build PH 5G network amid China’s dominance
Establishment of pilot base stations expected to begin this summer
Japan is boosting its efforts to provide an alternative to Chinese technology in the Indo-Pacific region by helping the Philippines build a 5G network infrastructure.
Nikkei reported that the construction of network base stations is set to begin this summer, with the aim of having a working 5G wireless network within a few years. The U.S. is also expected to contribute financial support for the project.
The Japanese government is holding similar agreements with Palau and Cambodia and will consider extending 5G assistance to Southeast Asian countries Indonesia and Vietnam.
Japan’s initiative came amid the proliferation of Chinese-made network base stations mostly in emerging markets and developing nations. Chinese telco providers Huawei and ZTE hold a global market share of roughly 30% and 10%, respectively.
The US has already excluded Chinese equipment from its 5G networks due to national security concerns. Meanwhile, Japan’s Open RAN (radio access network) technology will provide equipment supplied by different manufacturers to lower the costs of 5G services with a more secure approach.
Pilot base stations will be deployed in urban areas in the Philippines to test the coverage. In Japan, 96.6% of the public had 5G coverage as of the end of March 2023.
