Samsung looks to sell 5G equipment to NTT, KDDI

By Jun Ji-hye

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong recently met with key executives of Japan's leading mobile carriers in a bid to target the fifth-generation (5G) network and smartphone markets there Tokyo readies for the 2020 Olympics, Samsung officials said Sunday.

Lee visited the headquarters of Japan's two leading mobile carriers, NTT Docomo and KDDI, in Tokyo, last Thursday, and discussed possible collaboration on 5G-related business.

“Lee and executives of NTT Docomo and KDDI agreed to enhance mutual cooperation in preparation for the opening of Japan's 5G networks, scheduled for 2020,” a Samsung official said. “They will work together to offer stable 5G services in Japan at the earliest possible date.”

Lee is eyeing the Japanese 5G market as the country is aiming to commercialize the high-end networks before the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The tech giant is supporting the Tokyo Games as a worldwide partner of the International Olympic Committee.

As the Olympic Games attracts attention worldwide, it serves as a great venue for companies to strengthen their presence in the global market.

Samsung Electronics has sought to establish a strong presence in the 5G network equipment market as well as the related smartphone market.

Through collaboration with NTT Docomo and KDDI, the Korean tech giant will expand its 5G networks business in Japan, it said. The collaboration is also expected to increase the market share of Galaxy smartphones in Japan.

The Korean company has already been making efforts to penetrate deeper into the Japanese market.

In October, Samsung signed a business agreement with NEC, a provider of information technology services and products, on the development of 5G network equipment.

During his trip to Japan, Lee also visited the Galaxy store in Harajuku ― a Tokyo shopping area popular with Japanese millennials ― which opened in March.

The store is Samsung's largest Galaxy showcase store yet, and its eight floors display the firm's cutting-edge mobile technology with more than 1,000 smartphones offering a variety of interactive activities for visitors.

The firm said Lee asked about the public's reaction to the new store and encouraged the staff working there.

Samsung has shown an improved performance in the Japanese smartphone market, with its market share accounting for 6.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018, according to industry tracker Canalys. Previously, the figure was in the 3-percent range.

Lee's latest visit to Japan was his fourth overseas trip following his return to management after being released from prison in February last year.