ZTE has entered into partnership with Japan's Wireless City Planning (WCP) to use AXGP, a technology similar to TD-LTE, to build a next-generation mobile network in Japan. WCP is a SOFTBANK's Group Company, one of the major mobile operators in Japan.

According to ZTE, it was chosen by WCP as its primary strategic partner for AXGP. Once complete, the planned network will reach 99 per cent of Japan ordinance-designated city populations.

The two companies also will explore the possibility of creating a joint lab to develop emerging technologies, drive development of next generation technologies including AXGP,and grow the global reach of AXGP.

“We have chosen ZTE, the world’s leading telecommunications equipment provider, as our partner to build the world’s largest TDD network. We hope that ZTE can maintain its leading innovation capability in mobile communications technologies to help us build the best next generation mobile data network in Japan and even the world.” said WCP Director and Chief Operating Officer Junichi Miyakawa.

In addition to the SoftBank deal, ZTE has teamed up with China Mobile, Hutchison Whampoa and KPN to developTDD technologies across the globe. In 2011, Hutchison Whampoa chose ZTE to deploy an integrated LTE TDD/FDD commercial network in Sweden. That agreement was ZTE’s first major overseas breakthrough in TD-LTE.