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KDDI Corporation

Companies/Japan  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

KDDI Corporation, a major Japanese telecommunications operator, was formed in 2000 through the merger of KDD (Kokusai Denshin Denwa), DDI (Daini Denden), and IDO (Nippon Idou Tsushin). Since then, it has grown into a leading mobile network, offering innovative services like the 'au' brand, pioneering LTE, and expanding into financial tech and IoT.

Chronological Storyline (34 Milestones)

1953 CE

KDD Founded

Kokusai Denshin Denwa (KDD) is established as Japan's international telecommunications monopoly. It played a key role in connecting Japan globally. #telecom #history

KDD Founded
KDD Founded
By Akonnchiroll - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137863217
Jun 1, 1984 CE

DDI Founded

Daini Denden (DDI) is founded as a domestic telecommunications competitor after the liberalization of Japan's telecom market. It later became a core part of KDDI. #telecom #deregulation

Dec 1, 1987 CE

IDO Founded

Nippon Idou Tsushin (IDO) is established as a mobile phone operator for the Tokyo-Nagoya corridor. It later merged into KDDI. #mobile #telecom

1992 CE

DDI Launches Cellular Service

DDI begins cellular phone service using the J-TACS standard, expanding mobile competition in Japan. #mobile #telecom

1993 CE

KDD Launches International SIM Card

KDD introduces the first international roaming SIM card in Japan, enhancing global connectivity. #telecom #roaming

Mar 1, 1995 CE

DDI Launches PHS Service

DDI begins Personal Handy-phone System (PHS) service, offering low-cost mobile telephony. #telecom #PHS

1997 CE

KDD Merges with KDD Laboratories

KDD absorbs its R&D arm to streamline operations. #telecom #merger

1999 CE

DDI Launch of CDMAOne

DDI launches cellular service based on CDMAOne (IS-95) technology, providing better voice quality and capacity. #telecom #CDMA

Oct 1, 2000 CE

Merger Forms KDDI

DDI, KDD, and IDO merge to create KDDI Corporation, a major integrated telecom operator. The merger aimed to compete with NTT. #telecom #merger

Jul 1, 2001 CE

Launch of au Brand

KDDI launches the 'au' mobile brand, originally an acronym for 'access to you'. It becomes the flagship consumer mobile service. #mobile #brand )

Launch of au Brand
Launch of au Brand
By Kirakirameister - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19394517
Apr 1, 2002 CE

Launch of 3G Service (CDMA2000 1x)

KDDI launches Japan's first commercial 3G mobile service using CDMA2000 1x, offering data speeds up to 144 kbps. #telecom #3G

Nov 1, 2003 CE

KDDI Launches EZweb

KDDI introduces EZweb, an internet service platform for mobile phones, competing with i-mode. #mobile #internet

Jul 1, 2004 CE

Launch of WIN (CDMA2000 1xEV-DO)

KDDI launches the 'WIN' high-speed data service using 1xEV-DO technology, achieving speeds up to 2.4 Mbps. #telecom #data

Apr 1, 2005 CE

Acquisition of Tu-Ka

KDDI acquires Tu-Ka, a cellular operator in the Tokyo region, to expand its network and subscriber base. #telecom #acquisition

Oct 1, 2006 CE

Launch of KDDI 3G LTE Evolution

KDDI begins deployment of HSPA+ as a step toward LTE, enhancing data speeds. #telecom #LTE

2007 CE

Total Subscribers Exceed 30 Million

KDDI's mobile subscriber base surpasses 30 million, reflecting strong growth in the Japanese market. #telecom #growth

Mar 1, 2008 CE

Launch of 'au one' Web Portal

KDDI launches the 'au one' portal integrating email, web, and services. #mobile #portal

Feb 1, 2009 CE

Introduction of Android Smartphones

KDDI launches its first Android smartphone, the HTC Magic (IS01), entering the smartphone era. #mobile #android

Dec 1, 2010 CE

Launch of 4G LTE Service

KDDI launches commercial LTE service under the 'au 4G LTE' brand, offering speeds up to 75 Mbps. #telecom #4G

Jul 1, 2011 CE

Acquisition of J:COM

KDDI acquires cable TV operator Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM) to offer integrated fixed-mobile services. #telecom #cable

Apr 1, 2012 CE

Launch of Smartphone ‘Urban’ Series

KDDI introduces the 'Urban' smartphone line, targeting design-conscious users. #mobile #smartphone

Sep 1, 2013 CE

KDDI Partners with Amazon for Kindle

KDDI provides mobile connectivity for Amazon's Kindle e-readers in Japan. #partnership #ebook

Jul 1, 2014 CE

Launch of VoLTE

KDDI launches Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service, improving voice call quality and enabling simultaneous voice and data. #telecom #VoLTE

Mar 1, 2015 CE

KDDI Becomes Official MVNO for IoT

KDDI starts offering IoT connectivity solutions, targeting smart cities and industry. #IoT #telecom

Apr 1, 2016 CE

Launch of ‘au WALLET’ Prepaid Card

KDDI enters the fintech space with the 'au WALLET' prepaid card and mobile payment service. #fintech #mobilepayment

Jun 1, 2017 CE

KDDI Expands 5G Trials

KDDI begins 5G field trials in partnership with Ericsson and Samsung, preparing for commercial launch. #5G #telecom

Jan 1, 2018 CE

Acquisition of Okinawa Cellular

KDDI acquires full control of Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company, expanding its rural coverage. #telecom #acquisition

Mar 20, 2019 CE

Launch of 5G Service

KDDI launches its first 5G commercial service in select Japanese cities, offering ultra-fast mobile internet. #5G #telecom

Jul 1, 2020 CE

KDDI Launches ‘au PAY’ Credit

KDDI launches 'au PAY' credit, a mobile-based credit service, further expanding fintech offerings. #fintech #credit

Apr 1, 2021 CE

KDDI Partners with Toyota on Smart City

KDDI collaborates with Toyota on the Woven City project, providing connectivity and IoT infrastructure. #smartcity #partnership

Jul 2, 2022 CE

Major Network Outage

A massive network outage affects KDDI's mobile and fixed services for up to 86 hours, impacting millions of users. #outage #telecom

Mar 1, 2023 CE

Launch of ‘au’ Wi-Fi 6E Router

KDDI introduces Wi-Fi 6E routers for home broadband, leveraging new spectrum for faster speeds. #broadband #WiFi

Jan 1, 2024 CE

KDDI Invests in Space Internet with Starlink

KDDI partners with SpaceX to provide Starlink satellite internet services in rural Japan. #space #internet

Mar 31, 2025 CE

KDDI Reports Record Revenue

KDDI announces fiscal year revenue exceeding ¥5.5 trillion, driven by 5G and fintech growth. #finance #revenue