Present Trends in High-Speed and Broad-Band Communications Services in Japan

This paper describes present trends in high-speed and broad-band communications services in Japan. It gives an overview of video, high-speed digital leased circuit and satellite digital communications services, and gives examples of their applications. Recent trends in telecommunication services and technology are described, including video conferencing services presently available in more than ten cities throughout Japan, as well as a video response system which is about to be put into service. It also describes the present status of Japan´s cable television (CATV) system and discusses its future development. Finally, NTT´s plans for high-speed and broad-band communications service in the future are previewed.