It is understood that NTT West Japan is currently developing street lights with public WiFi access points (AP). The company will publicize the advantages of the new streetlights that enable people to enjoy high-speed Internet outdoors, promote them to local governments and others who are committed to attracting foreign tourists, and strive to put them into use after the second half of 2015.
In Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mount Fuji is listed on the World Cultural Heritage List, in order to provide convenience to foreign tourists, the prefecture plans to increase the number of places where public WiFi is available in the prefecture to 2,000 by the end of 2015, nearly 10 times the number in 2012. In preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese government is very supportive of improving the network environment, and NTT West Japan believes that the needs of local governments will further increase.
This street lamp jointly developed by NTT West and a street lamp manufacturer has an AP installed inside the light-emitting diode (LED) lampshade. The two share the power supply, so no separate wiring is required. The signal range is within a radius of 150 meters from each street light. After being set at equal distances, it can provide an efficient WiFi environment in a wide range. The person in charge of NTT West Japan said, "We hope to miniaturize the AP and increase the types of lighting that can be installed."
On the other hand, NEC released long strip LED lamps with built-in WiFi access points for use on station platforms and other platforms in October last year. The installation cost is 20 to 30% cheaper than installing a new AP. The railway company Yokohama Seaside Line (located in Yokohama City) has installed a total of five such lamps in the station, and staff are confirming the signal conditions by actually using WiFi.
ANNA