KDDI targets AI infrastructure and 6G readiness in new 3-year plan

KDDI has outlined a three-year plan covering AI infrastructure, network automation, and preparations for future 6G services.

The plan, called Power-to-Connect 2028, covers the period from April 2026 to March 2029. It follows the Japanese operator’s previous mid-term plan, which included network investment and AI-related customer service initiatives. That earlier plan also included KDDI’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Lawson.

KDDI said it expects AI to become embedded in services, operations, and communications infrastructure. The company said it will focus on physical assets and customer touchpoints. It also named nationwide infrastructure and human talent.

Digital Belt investment

The plan includes a 1.2 trillion yen investment over three years in what KDDI describes as a “digital belt.” The initiative covers low-latency transport and access networks, as well as AI data centre infrastructure. It also includes subsea cable landing stations and satellite ground stations.

KDDI said it is targeting 5% CAGR in consolidated operating profit under the new plan. For FY27-03, the company expects 3.7% growth in Telecom Core, 10.3% growth in Personal Growth, and 18.0% growth in Business Growth.

The company said the digital belt is intended to build a nationwide low-latency network and AI computing infrastructure. KDDI’s presentation lists telecom networks, AI data centres, cable landing stations, and satellite ground stations as part of the Digital Belt.

KDDI is also working on AI-based automation for network operations. Its strategy refers to improving infrastructure efficiency through AI and automation.

KDDI’s network automation work includes a field trial with Ericsson on its commercial network. Ericsson said the trial used an AI-driven uplink interference optimisation application and a third-party rApp from FYRA. The company said the trial improved uplink performance across 4G and 5G, even as uplink traffic increased by 10%.

KDDI and KDDI Research have also developed a multi-AI system for base station optimisation. The company said the system improved locations prone to slow connections by 25% and reduced optimisation work time by more than 95%.

6G and satellite links

KDDI said it plans to use around 100,000 base stations across Japan as sensing hubs when 6G is introduced. These sites are expected to provide real-time data to AI-supported network management systems.

KDDI is also involved in Japan’s wider Beyond 5G research activity. In May 2026, KDDI Research said it had developed 6G-focused base station technology with Nokia Solutions and Networks. In a proof-of-concept trial, the technology reduced base station power consumption by up to about 40% at the same throughput level.

KDDI is also part of a joint Beyond 5G/6G project with NTT, Fujitsu, NEC, and Rakuten Mobile. The project was selected by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and NICT. It focuses on common infrastructure technologies for social implementation and overseas expansion.

The strategy also includes further use of low Earth orbit satellite services. KDDI and Okinawa Cellular launched au Starlink Direct in April 2025, describing it as Japan’s first direct-to-cell satellite service.

The service initially supported 50 smartphone models and was made available to au users without a separate application.

Financial context

In the financial year ended March 2026, KDDI reported operating revenue of 6.07 trillion yen, up 4.1% year on year. Adjusted operating income rose 1.1% to 1.15 trillion yen.

KDDI said the infrastructure programme will support business services and AI-enabled consumer services. The company said those assets are part of its Digital Belt programme.

(Photo by Ray Eldath)

See also: Japan reaches near-universal 5G coverage, but local gaps remain

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