Softbank IPTV

Softbank Broadmedia (BB) Corporation, part of Softbank Group of companies, is a broadband contents and application unit of SOFTBANK in Japan. Although the Softbank Group has a complex structure of subsidiary companies with media and IT interests, a key operation is its dedicated IP network, over which it offers ‘BB Cable TV’, an interactive TV service through its wholly owned subsidiary BB Cable Corporation. Softbank group also offers DSL services (Yahoo BB) through its JV with Yahoo Japan, and has a very high penetration of VoIP on its broadband lines.

In 2006, the operator acquired Japan Telecom and changed the latter’s name to ‘Softbank Telecom Corp’.

In February 2010, Softbank Corp. completed its initial investment of approximately USD 20 million in Ustream, operator of the broadcast platform offering live video distribution service (video streaming service). Assuming all available options granted to the Company to acquire additional shares are exercised, the Company’s total investment is expected to be approximately USD 75 million and will result in the Company becoming Ustream’s top shareholder.

In November 2011, Softbank announced hopes to be awarded a licence in the 700MHz and 900MHz spectrum bands.