Japan's networks buckling under data strain, culprit is exactly what you think

The saturation of high-speed networks is a virtually inevitable side-effect of compatible hardware becoming cheaper and more capable; Japan's been trekking in that direction longer than anyone, and it seems that they're nearing the breaking point. The problem's exacerbated by the fact that truly unlimited usage plans are still available over there -- we bet that doesn't last much longer -- but what's everyone downloading? Porn, of course. All of the local carriers are either clamping down on the heaviest downloaders or are considering doing so; some of the larger content providers say they're signing up over a thousand new users a day, and when you consider that many Japanese are using their phones exclusively for personal internet access, it doesn't take much work to connect the dots. Can't someone please, like, invent more spectrum space?

[Thanks, Will]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 11th 2009 4:32PM]

They should consider putting WIFI in their phones.

[SParklingCYaNide Posted Jul 11th 2009 6:18PM]

Japanese phones REALLY usually don't have Wifi on them?! Wow, I would have thought they would considering how Technologically Nuts they all are. This is really a Surprise to me and HOw the HECK did I NOT KNow?! lol

Well I guess its because we expect it as a Standard feature here in the USA. I wonder why they wouldn't want it on their phones in the First Place.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 11th 2009 5:25PM]

All that freaky anime porn, eh? Those Japanese!

Are you sure this isn't just propaganda in order to incite more caps like they have here in the US. I'm not saying it is or isn't but just curious. I'm well aware that all networks have limitations.

Nothing like more wireless internet Armageddon prophecies to get the telco's blood flowing again with cash.

[montusama Posted Jul 11th 2009 5:48PM]

@tom Japanese don't work like that in a way. WiFi in phones probably won't really ever happen.

In a way the carriers were asking for it, they just need to make their network more able to survive, if anything this should increase the pace of 4G in Japan.

[kalleboo Posted Jul 11th 2009 6:09PM]

Dear docomo,

Stop whining and start building LTE (like northern Europe is), or at least consider WiFi (like the US).

Love,
Japan.

[Jeff Kibuule Posted Jul 11th 2009 7:32PM]

WiFi is SO 2003!

[allenvanhellen Posted Jul 12th 2009 3:23AM]

I really don't even understand why people wanna watch any sort of video on a cell phone or a PMP. The screens are so damn small! The only time I would think about doing so is on the subway, but in that case I sure as hell wouldn't be watching porn!

[RupanIII Posted Jul 12th 2009 12:30PM]

I think it's for all the boy porn while they are on their half hour bathroom breaks.

[Jamar Posted Jul 15th 2009 10:15AM]

You have never seen a Japanese phone before, have you. They already have phones with 3.8-inch 1024x400 screens and 3 inches is the standard. Kicks the pants off anything America has.

[ctt1wbw Posted Jul 13th 2009 7:32AM]

So, when do they have time to purchase used girl panties from the vending machines?