Tokyo Metro Wireless Upgrades Proposed
According Kyodo News, the JMCIA and Tokyo govt are planning wireless network upgrades for the metro subway system http://bit.ly/geMzTG
Rejoice! Tokyo will enable mobile internet access on the subway.. is it Aprils Fools already?
Considering the JapanToday article below, must be a slow news day. It strangely reads like we don’t have the ability to text and surf on trains here in Tokyo, when clearly that’s long been an iconic image of mobile in Japan. While obviously there are still dark spots in certain places, overall access on “moving subway trains” is just fine – as opposed too the “often cut off” assertion therein.
Sadly the authors either didn’t bother to mention PR issued [JPN] earlier this week, by all three operators, that they have completed the wireless network through several long tunnels for the Shinkansen. Perhaps the real discussion was actually focused on building out on the existing infrastructure for next-gen. LTE networks, that would make more sense. TGIF — Eds.
Tokyo gov’t, Softbank to enable texting, Net access on subway
The Tokyo metropolitan government and Softbank Corp agreed Thursday to enable passengers in moving subway trains to send text messages and access the Internet on their handsets by installing antennas by the end of this year.
Tokyo Metro Co, the other subway train operator in the metropolitan area, said the same day that work for a similar service in its subway system has entered the final stage.
The latest moves reflect growing calls among consumers, including commuters, for cell phone text messaging and online access to be available inside moving subway trains. In Tokyo, cell phone networks are currently accessible at subway stations but not while trains are running between stations.
Mobile phone signals are often cut off while subway trains are in motion. But in some subway systems, such as those in the cities of Sapporo and Fukuoka, passengers can use e-mail even while trains are running.