Livedoor, the "Yahoo" of Japan (besides Yahoo Japan), decides they want to offer wireless internet access via "iBurst." They have applied to the Ministry of Basically Everything to enter the 2GHz wireless band.

Livedoor announced o­n the 15th that their plan to enter the 2GHz band, which will be divided by the  Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications between communications industry figures for mobile device use. If provided with licenses, their service will launch sometime in 2006. Base station equipment will be provided by Kyocera, employing their "iBurst" wireless technology.

Livedoor will launch their "D-cubic" public wireless LAN service, supporting IEE 802.11b and g, before the end of July. With this entry into the 2GHz band, the company plans to cover all of Japan with service via either D-cubic or iBurst.

iBurst, provided by Kyocera, is a wireless broadband technology used in wireless systems offered by Arraycom, of America. A single station allows for a 24Mbps downstream, and an 8Mbps upsteam -- a single user can receive a 1Mbps downstream and 333kbps upstream. This technology has been used by PBA (Personal Broadband Australia) in Australia since 2004, and WBS (Wireless Business Solutions) in the Republic of South Africa since April 1 2005 -- both are services for business use.

Domestically, Kyocera has already obtained licensing from the Ministry of Basically Everything for the testing of iBust system stations and client terminals, and is conducing experiments surrounding their Yokohama headquarters. The 2GHz band is used in the experiments, and they are shooting for a 2006 commercialization of the technology.

The Ministry of Baiscally Everything plans o­n dividing the 3G mobile phone 2GHz band to o­ne "industry newcomer," and IP Mobile and Willcom have already announced their applications. However, iBurst is currently not recognized as a 3G mobile phone technology as the Ministry has defined it. Willcom, 30% of which is funded by Kyocera (their largest shaleholder, as a result) commented, "if they receive the licensing from the Ministry, we will be furnishing iBurst technology to Livedoor."

Inspired by:
http://k-tai.impress.co.jp/cda/article/news_toppage/24829.html

Livedoor:
http://www.livedoor.com/

Kyocera:
http://www.kyocera.co.jp