Japanese operators hope to make inroads to improving the reach of mmWave 5G and signed a memorandum of understanding covering joint exploration of ways to do so.

SoftBank Corp, KDDI, NTT Docomo and Rakuten Mobile agreed to jointly explore how the coverage afforded by mmWave 5G at 28GHz could be expanded within the limitations of the band, which offers solid connectivity over short distances.

The operators each issued a statement explaining the frequency band is prone to degradation due to physical obstructions and has propagation characteristics which are susceptible to attenuation.

They plan to study ways to expand the use of compatible base stations and architectures to identify possible options to widen the reach of mmWave 5G.

The exploration is also set to cover repeater equipment and other relevant assets.

Some form of shared access could be involved: the operators stated they would continue to deploy their own mmWave 5G equipment, but look into “how to effectively” use it.

The operators explained they are taking action because of difficulties in deploying enough mmWave 5G base stations in a timely fashion, which they noted is a common challenge.

A baseline assumption of their research is each operator will determine their own expansion needs and explore how a combined approach to boosting coverage could fit with their requirements.

There is an overarching ambition towards “transcending the boundaries” between the operators.

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Vodafone Idea reportedly faces heat from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) over complaints from Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio regarding mobile number portability (MNP) processes.

Business Standard reported the operator is in the regulator’s crosshairs after its rivals complained it broke several rules involved in helping subscribers change operator.

Vodafone Idea’s rivals believe it misled subscribers in telephone calls purporting to be from other providers and warning of changes to the user’s contract or price plan.

The operator is also alleged to have delayed the sending of SMS containing the unique porting code required by subscribers switching to another provider.

Business Standard added Vodafone Idea’s rivals claim it also sought to lure subscribers with lower-priced post-paid plans.

Vodafone Idea refutes the claims, the newspaper wrote.

A TRAI representative reportedly told Business Standard the regulator is looking into the complaints by Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio.

The pair want the regulator to explore their claims of misconduct and issue instructions on the MNP process to prevent future incidents.

TRAI fixed and mobile subscriber figures for July indicate Vodafone Idea had a combined 130 million compared with 384.2 million for Bharti Airtel and 535.1 million with Reliance Jio.

Vodafone Idea commenced a rebranding at the beginning of the month in what CEO Abhijit Kishore described as a move to align with future ambitions to deliver a top-tier experience to customers.

The Economic Times reports the operator is also in the early stages of a INR350 billion ($3.7 billion) funding move involving a ten-year loan facility from up to the same number of lenders to cover capex.

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