JTOWER

About JTOWER

JTOWER Inc., founded in 2012 by Atsushi Tanaka, is a Japanese company that pioneered the concept of telecommunications infrastructure sharing in the country. The company specializes in developing and managing shared telecommunications infrastructure, including in-building solutions (IBS) and outdoor towers, to support mobile network operators (MNOs). Its business model focuses on reducing capital expenditures and operational costs for MNOs by consolidating the infrastructure needed for mobile networks.

The company's core services include indoor and outdoor infrastructure sharing. The in-building solutions (IBS) are designed to enhance cellular and wireless signal coverage within large facilities like commercial buildings, office complexes, hospitals, and public venues. The outdoor tower sharing business involves constructing new towers and acquiring existing towers from telecommunications operators to be shared among multiple tenants. This approach minimizes the environmental impact and addresses the challenge of finding new installation sites, particularly for the deployment of 5G networks. JTOWER also offers solutions for private LTE and 5G networks and IoT connectivity platforms.

JTOWER has established a significant presence in the Japanese market, serving major mobile network operators. The company has formed strategic capital and business alliances with key industry players, including NTT DOCOMO and Rakuten Mobile, to accelerate the efficient rollout of 5G networks. Through carve-out transactions, JTOWER has acquired thousands of telecommunication towers from companies like NTT DOCOMO, NTT East, and NTT West. In addition to its domestic operations, JTOWER has expanded its IBS business internationally to countries like Vietnam and Myanmar.

In August 2024, the US investment firm DigitalBridge Group announced its intention to acquire JTOWER in a take-private deal valued at approximately $631 million. The acquisition, completed in October 2024 with DigitalBridge acquiring a 75.62% controlling interest, is aimed at providing JTOWER with the financial backing for long-term investments and to strengthen its position in the infrastructure sharing market as Japan moves towards Beyond 5G and 6G technologies. Founder Atsushi Tanaka continues to lead the company as its president.