Telco/Internet specialist

Kirk Boodry

Redex Research

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>Japan's telecom regulator has raised the issue of mobile spectrum auctions and is now soliciting public comments</li>
<li>We think this conflicts with national policies to boost ICT exports after years of trade deficits whilst new entrant Rakuten, which MIC supports to promote competition, would suffer</li>
<li>The proposals are for new spectrum only and current licenses and associated annual payments would not be affected. We remain overweight JP telcos, particularly NTT and KDDI</li>
</ul>


Japan's telecom regulator has raised the issue of mobile spectrum auctions and is now soliciting public comments
We think this conflicts with national policies to boost ICT exports after years of trade deficits whilst new entrant Rakuten, which MIC supports to promote competition, would suffer
The proposals are for new spectrum only and current licenses and associated annual payments would not be affected. We remain overweight JP telcos, particularly NTT and KDDI


Japan Telecoms - There Are Hurdles to the Introduction of Mobile Spectrum Auctions

<ul>
<li>Japanese auto makers have agreed to pay patent fees for mobile technology in connected cars, a win for equipment vendors</li>
<li>It is also positive for NTT's DoCoMo, which is a global leader in network technology R&amp;D (fourth overall and largest in Japan) despite being a network operator</li>
<li>KDDI also benefits as it already generates meaningful IoT revenue supported in part by automobile connectivity</li>
</ul>


Japanese auto makers have agreed to pay patent fees for mobile technology in connected cars, a win for equipment vendors
It is also positive for NTT's DoCoMo, which is a global leader in network technology R&amp;D (fourth overall and largest in Japan) despite being a network operator
KDDI also benefits as it already generates meaningful IoT revenue supported in part by automobile connectivity


Japan Telecoms - Agreement on Telecom Patent Fees Also Good for DoCoMo, KDDI

<ul>
<li>5G-Capable devices now account for 25% of total devices in Japan. So far, 5G take-up appears to be quicker than 4G although that doesn't translate into higher revenue</li>
<li>MVNO subscriptions continue to grow despite former leader Rakuten moving users to its own network. IIJ remains the segment leader</li>
<li>Rakuten Mobile's subscriber woes have been well-flagged but another issue may be ahead as the migration of MVNO subs to the MNO platform has slowed in recent quarters.</li>
</ul>


5G-Capable devices now account for 25% of total devices in Japan. So far, 5G take-up appears to be quicker than 4G although that doesn't translate into higher revenue
MVNO subscriptions continue to grow despite former leader Rakuten moving users to its own network. IIJ remains the segment leader
Rakuten Mobile's subscriber woes have been well-flagged but another issue may be ahead as the migration of MVNO subs to the MNO platform has slowed in recent quarters.


Japan Telecoms - MIC Reports Telecom Subscription Data Including a Key 5G Milestone

<ul>
<li>The Ministry of Industry Affairs and Communications (MIC) has issued a progress report on its mobile spectrum allocations through 2025</li>
<li>There is no change to previous allocation targets of c. 16 GHz but it is worth highlighting again how huge that is versus current industry holdings of 3 GHz</li>
<li>In general, more spectrum is a positive for Japanese mobile operators, especially as airwaves are allocated not auctioned</li>
</ul>


The Ministry of Industry Affairs and Communications (MIC) has issued a progress report on its mobile spectrum allocations through 2025
There is no change to previous allocation targets of c. 16 GHz but it is worth highlighting again how huge that is versus current industry holdings of 3 GHz
In general, more spectrum is a positive for Japanese mobile operators, especially as airwaves are allocated not auctioned


Japan Telecoms - A Reminder on the Regulator’s Spectrum Plans Through FY25

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kyocera-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:753:1" rel="noopener">Kyocera (6971 JP)</a></strong> is not blowing out the lights versus peers, but it's relatively inexpensive to its history and peers. If Kazuo Inamori's shares are sold, Kyocera can buy them.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-lung-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:50:1" rel="noopener"><strong>Hang Lung (10 HK)</strong></a> currently trades at a 62% discount to NAV, a level last seen around the Covid lows in May 2020.</li>
<li>Washington and Beijing reach an agreement allowing US regulators access to audits of Chinese companies listed on American exchanges.  However, US regulators remain cautious about the success of the deal.</li>
</ul>



Kyocera (6971 JP) is not blowing out the lights versus peers, but it's relatively inexpensive to its history and peers. If Kazuo Inamori's shares are sold, Kyocera can buy them.

Hang Lung (10 HK) currently trades at a 62% discount to NAV, a level last seen around the Covid lows in May 2020.
Washington and Beijing reach an agreement allowing US regulators access to audits of Chinese companies listed on American exchanges.  However, US regulators remain cautious about the success of the deal.


Last Week in Event SPACE: Kyocera, Hang Lung Group, CSRC/PCAOB Audit Terms, MACA, Nitro Software

Japan

KDDI CORPORATION provides mobile communication services and sells mobile devices.  The Company also is a broadband provider.

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KDDI Corp (9433 JP)

Japan Telecoms - There Are Hurdles to the Introduction of Mobile Spectrum Auctions

The regulator has taken up the issue of mobile spectrum auctions again but we think a focus on ICT export and concerns on competition stand in the way

Kirk Boodry

Japan Telecoms - Agreement on Telecom Patent Fees Also Good for DoCoMo, KDDI

JP car makers have agreed to pay patent fees for mobile technology. That is good for equipment vendors but also DoCoMo, a global leader in network...

Kirk Boodry

Japan Telecoms - MIC Reports Telecom Subscription Data Including a Key 5G Milestone

MIC data highlights the rapid proliferation of 5G as capable devices exceed 25% two years after launch. The latest also reiterates mobile strength...

Kirk Boodry

Japan Telecoms - A Reminder on the Regulator’s Spectrum Plans Through FY25

The MIC has published a draft report on its progress towards FY25 spectrum allocations. In general, more spectrum is good for the industry...

Kirk Boodry

Last Week in Event SPACE: Kyocera, Hang Lung Group, CSRC/PCAOB Audit Terms, MACA, Nitro Software

The weekend is here! Pour yourself a coffee, grab a comfortable seat, and sift through a brief summary of insights on various events discussed...

David Blennerhassett

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