Japan's telecommunications regulator has decided to give licenses for high-speed wireless internet access to Carlyle-controlled handy-phone firm Willcom and a group led by mobile phone operator KDDI, the Nikkei business daily, quoted by a Reuters report, said.
The report said the two have been competing with mobile carriers NTT DoCoMo and Softbank for the two licenses. DoCoMo and Softbank are likely to revise their business plans and possibly lease networks from the licensed firms, the Nikkei said.
KDDI, which will partner with firms such as Intel and Kyocera, plans to launch WiMax services in 2009, the report said.
Willcom also plans to supply high-speed services in 2009, using next-generation PHS technology, the report added.