NTT Docomo leads Japão in 5G download speeds, but ranked last in consistent quality, according to Opensignal’s latest research. The result contrasts with its performance in other metrics, where the operator achieved 159.1 Mbps in speed and maintains the first position in geographic coverage. The disparity reveals a gap between expanded infrastructure and the real quality of service delivered to users.
Docomo leads in speed, but not in consistency
Docomo recorded the highest 5G download speed performance with 159.1 Mbps. The operator also dominates in the coverage experience and 5G coverage experience categories, metrics that evaluate coverage in densely populated areas. Para To reduce urban congestion, the company began deploying wireless equipment with Ericsson’s Massive MIMO antennas in the 4.5 GHz band.
However, the consistent quality presented a worrying result: 80.7%, the lowest among the three main operators. au achieved 88.3%, while SoftBank achieved 86.9%. The consistent quality indicator measures how often users are able to complete tasks without interruption, even in areas with 5G coverage. Altas speeds do not guarantee reliable performance when there are delays in response times or momentary outages.
Docomo also ranked third in reliability experience, behind SoftBank and au. The metric evaluates connection stability when using applications and services.
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Au wins awards with focus on reliability
au won awards in 10 categories and shared distinctions in 1 category, becoming the highest ranked domestic operator by number of awards. Entre wins are consistent quality, reliable experience and overall first place in 5G for video, gaming and voice applications.
In the reliability category, au scored 967 out of 1000 points, marking its fourth consecutive victory in this indicator. Shinji Uchida, Country Manager of Japão, highlighted the importance of this metric: “We believe that improving these metrics improves the user experience, and we understand that each operator is striving to improve these metrics to improve network quality.”
SoftBank won 45 awards in 8 regions of the country and 46 shared awards, leading in the number of distinctions per region. The operator received high scores for communication speed and 5G connectivity. User download speeds have improved 17% since the last survey, extending its lead in this category. SoftBank was also the only operator awarded in the Japão in “5G usage rate”, reaching 27.4%, an indicator that measures the percentage of time that users are connected to 5G.
Atualmente, SoftBank works with Nokia to expand its 5G SA (standalone) coverage area and modernize its network across Japão’s western region.
Limited Infraestrutura explains Docomo disparity
Docomo’s low ranking in consistent quality is not the result of a single factor, but a combination. The operator has a limited number of 5G base stations compared to au and SoftBank. Essa shortages make it difficult to distribute traffic effectively, even within areas with 5G coverage, causing performance drops.
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Limitações in the frequency band and base stations still under construction also contribute to the current scenario:
- Frequency Restricted Faixa Reduces Processing Capacity
- Estações base still in the implementation phase in several regions
- Distribuição uneven traffic coverage areas
- Slower response Tempos despite available coverage
- Diferença structural between maximum speed and real quality
Uchida acknowledged the challenge: “This is not due to a single reason, but rather a combination of factors that have led to the current situation. Acredito that Docomo is aware of this situation and working to improve the factors that contribute to it.”
Global Contexto keeps Japão numbers at high levels
Apesar’s unfavorable position among domestic competitors, Docomo’s indicators remain high in international comparison. The quality of communication in Japão is at a high level when evaluated globally.
Docomo’s numbers, even in last place domestically, are extremely high when compared to results from international operators. The Japanese market is particularly competitive, and au and SoftBank, although global leaders in consistent quality, do not invalidate Docomo’s overall performance. The research highlights a nuanced reality: the operator faces intense competition, but its performance remains robust on an international scale, indicating that improvements in consistent quality would position it with an even greater strategic advantage in the domestic and global market.