Nokia, Energia sign distribution agreement for G.fast fixed ultra-broadband access in Japan

Nokia has signed a distributor agreement with Energia Communications (EneCom) to sell its G.fast fixed ultra-broadband access technology in Japan.

EneCom, Nokia's first customer for next-generation broadband access technology in the country, will now become the reseller for the fixed access technology, making it available nationwide across Japan.

G.fast is a technology that delivers customers fiber-like speeds over copper cable over short distances, such as, for instance, in apartment buildings with no fiber connections.

The new service in EneCom's portfolio will enable the company to expand its business and interests in the utility service provider space by offering a fast, easy and economical way to replace traditional VDSL2 technology and offer subscribers a choice of higher speed access packages.

Satoshi Kumagai, CEO of Energia Communications, said: "Ten months ago we became Nokia's first G.fast technology customer in Japan and one of the first customers worldwide. We have been very happy with the service and have complete trust in Nokia's capability and strengths of its fixed access business, which is why we decided to take the relationship forward as a successful business partnership/reseller model."

Jae Won, head of Nokia in Japan, said: "This strategic partnership with EneCom will increase G.fast deployments in Japan, providing real benefits to subscribers who might otherwise be unable to enjoy ultra-broadband speeds. Japan is a very important market to us, and we look forward to a successful venture that will boost local economies."