Softbank launches new 110MbpsLTE router

Softbank is set to introduce a new 110Mbps mobile router next week for its Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G wireless broadband network, which was launched last month. The Huawei-made modem will allow uploads at speeds of up to 10Mbps and can handle ten simultaneous users via Wi-Fi connections. Softbank is charging JPY5,000 (USD64) per month for an LTE package which includes 5GB of bandwidth each month; data transfer speeds are throttled once the user reaches the limit, or additional bandwidth can be bought in 2GB blocks for JPY2,625.

Softbank is the third largest cellular operator in Japan behind NTT DoCoMo and KDDI, but it is also the fastest growing network, with 320,000 net subscriber additions in September 2012 taking its customer total 30.36 million by the end of the month. In addition, it is looking to make up further ground on its rivals by acquiring smaller competitor eMobile, in a deal which it hopes to complete early next year.