KDDI said that a central component of the strategy is the “digital belt” initiative, which includes the expansion of low-latency transport and access networks, AIDC infrastructure, satellite ground stations, and subsea cable landing facilities
In sum – what to know:
AI-native focus – KDDI’s new three-year strategy centers on preparing for an “AI-native society” where AI becomes embedded in everyday life and future 6G services.
Digital belt – The operator plans to invest JPY1,200 billion yen in low-latency networks, AI data centers, subsea cable infrastructure and satellite connectivity.
Infrastructure expansion – KDDI is integrating AI automation, LEO satellite services and future sensing capabilities across its nationwide network footprint.
Japanese operator KDDI has outlined a new three-year strategy centered on artificial intelligence, infrastructure expansion, and future 6G readiness as the telco prepares for what it describes as an “AI-native society.”
The strategy covers the period from April 2026 through March 2029 and follows the completion of KDDI’s previous midterm plan, which included investments in network infrastructure, AI-enabled customer engagement initiatives, and the acquisition of a 50% stake in Japanese convenience store chain Lawson.
KDDI also reported that revenue for the financial year ended March 2026 increased 4.1% year-over-year to JPY6,072 billion ($38.2 billion), while operating profit rose 1.1% to JPY1,099 billion.
The operator said its new plan is designed around the expectation that AI will become increasingly integrated into daily life rather than remaining a standalone technology tool.
“The AI-native society is a society where AI penetration drives efficiency and sophistication, expanding business growth and value creation. AI itself will rapidly become commoditized, making its differentiation increasingly difficult through AI alone. The key question is how companies will differentiate themselves once AI becomes commonplace. In other words, I believe competitive advantage in an AI-native society will depend on how effectively companies build value that is difficult for AI to replace. We believe that re-refining physical assets that are difficult for AI to replace, customer touchpoints, nationwide infrastructure, and human talent will be the winning strategy in this society,” Hiromichi Matsuda, president and chief executive officer at KDDI, told a conference call with investors.
KDDI’s strategy combines upgraded communications infrastructure, AI-enabled customer interaction platforms, and workforce development initiatives aimed at delivering what the company described as “AI-resilient and hard-to-replace value.”
A central component of the plan is the “digital belt” initiative, which includes the expansion of low-latency transport and access networks, AI data center infrastructure, satellite ground stations, and subsea cable landing facilities.
The company also plans to continue integrating low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity into its network operations. KDDI has already launched a direct-to-device satellite service in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink.
As part of the broader infrastructure push, the Japanese carrier plans to invest JPY1,200 billion in its digital belt initiative over the next three years.
KDDI is also working to introduce more AI-enabled automation capabilities across its network infrastructure through collaborations with Swedish vendor Ericsson.
Looking ahead to the transition toward 6G networks, KDDI said it intends to use approximately 100,000 base stations across Japan as “sensing hubs” capable of delivering real-time information to AI-powered network management systems.
The operator said the combination of AI infrastructure, low-latency connectivity, and advanced network automation will support the development of new business opportunities focused on productivity improvements and AI-enhanced consumer services.
