SoftBank Group Corp. is a Japanese multinational investment holding company founded in September 1981 by Masayoshi Son. The company, initially established as a software distributor, later expanded into publishing, becoming Japan's largest publisher of computer and technology magazines and trade shows. The company went public in 1994 and later transitioned into a holding company in 1999, investing in a range of technology-focused companies across various markets and industries.
The company's founder, Masayoshi Son, holds a significant share and is a key figure in its operations. SoftBank Group Corp. has a spun-out affiliate, SoftBank Corporation, which is the third-largest wireless carrier in Japan. Despite not affiliating itself with any traditional keiretsu, SoftBank maintains close ties with Mizuho Financial Group, its primary lender.
Alias
SoftBank Corp.
Country
Japan
Type
Mobile Network Operator
3G Network
The company launched its 3G network in October 2006. The network was sunset at the end of January 2024.
3G Frequency Bands
| Network Frequency Band | Status |
|---|---|
|
Shut Down
|
|
|
Shut Down
|
3G Network Events
| Date | Event | Subtype |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Launch of 3G Network
|
Launch
|
4G Network
Softbank launched its 4G network in February 2012 initially using B3 (1800 MHz), but later adding B1 in September that year. The network was expanded further with the addition of B8 in 2014 along with B11 and B42 during 2017-2018. B42 was refarmed in support of 5G services.
LTE-M and NB-IoT services were launched in September 2017, using the company's B8 band.
4G Frequency Bands
| Network Frequency Band | Max. Channel Bandwidth | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
15
|
Active
|
|
|
15
|
Active
|
|
|
15
|
Active
|
|
|
10
|
Active
|
|
|
20
|
Shut Down
|
4G Network Events
| Date | Event | Subtype |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Launch of 4G Network
|
Launch
|
5G Network
The company launched its 5G network using n77 (3700 MHz) in March 2020. Standalone 5G (SA) launched in October 2021. mmWave services launched in March 2021 using spectrum in the 29.1 to 29.5 GHz range.
n3 (1800 MHz) and low band n28 (700 MHz) were later added to enhance coverage.
5G Frequency Bands
| Network Frequency Band | Max. Channel Bandwidth | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
100
|
Active
|
|
|
40
|
Active
|
|
|
400
|
Active
|
|
|
15
|
Active
|
|
|
10
|
Active
|
5G Network Events
| Date | Event | Subtype |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Launch of 5G Network
|
Launch
|