KDDI will begin offering "au Hikari Plus," a new fixed-line service, on September 17. While fiber-optic connections have had few updates outside of speed and price until now, au Hikari Plus adopts a new feature that combines it with 5G SA. This not only enables immediate activation, but also utilizes the mobile network as a backup during disasters or network outages. Voice calls are also provided over the mobile network side rather than the fiber-optic line.
Although au Hikari Plus does not allow users to select KDDI's "au one net" as their provider, it supports fiber-optic lines using NTT's Hikari Collaboration, allowing users to select services seamlessly. This structure offers a glimpse into KDDI's intention to broaden the sales channels for fixed lines while reducing duplication across the group to improve operational efficiency.
Bundling fiber and mobile in a router—the appeal lies in fast activation and redundancy
au Hikari Plus is a service that bundles fiber-optic and mobile lines together. The router rented to users features a mobile-compatible module, allowing communication over either line. The device can be described as combining the router required for fiber-optic use and a 5G-compatible home router into a single unit. There are said to be three main advantages to mobile compatibility.
Madoka Aihara, Director of the Business Promotion Department at KDDI's Personal Business Sector, cites the fact that standard fixed lines take an "extremely long time to be activated" as the first advantage. Because physical fiber cables must be run and installation work is required, unlike mobile lines that use wireless signals, users cannot receive service immediately even if the router arrives at their home. au Hikari Plus resolves this issue.
A "Hybrid Home Router" compatible with both 5G and fiber-optic lines arrives at the user's home. From there, "you just open the box and turn on the power to use it immediately" (Aihara). Until the fiber-optic line is activated, the mobile network is used as a stopgap. Furthermore, even after the fiber-optic line is activated, users can continue using it as is, without needing to change settings such as Wi-Fi.
Until now, "efforts were made individually to lend out mobile routers to bridge the time gap" until the fiber line was activated (Aihara), but because the equipment itself changed with that approach, reconfigurations had to be made in a short span of time. Additionally, phone services could not be used initially. Being able to start using the service immediately over a mobile network and seamlessly continue using it is a major difference from before.
Moreover, even after the fiber-optic line is activated, the 5G mobile network is not canceled; instead, it remains on standby. Through this, "it has a mechanism to switch to 5G and operate if an outage occurs" (Aihara). Even if the fiber-optic cable is severed in some way or a problem occurs on the provider side, communication can continue over the mobile network. It serves as a safeguard not only against network failures, but also during disasters.
Recently, "home IoT devices are spreading within households, and tablets and PCs are constantly connected (due to remote work). The number of devices that people want to keep connected at all times is increasing" (Aihara). "Smart locks are contingent on an internet connection, and people want to keep cameras accessible at all times. Controlling home air conditioners from the outside has also become second nature" (Aihara). Under these circumstances, being able to ensure line redundancy provides high peace of mind.
At launch, line switching will be manual, but "we believe this should be refined further" (Aihara), and an automatic switching feature is currently being developed as a new capability. Once this is implemented, even if the fiber-optic connection is interrupted, users will be able to continue communicating over the mobile line without even realizing it. The new feature will be delivered as a firmware update by the end of the fiscal year.
