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So-net

So-net is a prominent internet service provider (ISP) that was launched in January 1996 as one of the country's earliest commercial connection services, initially established by Corporation in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), Inc., and Sony Finance International, Inc. Operated by Sony Network Communications Inc.—a wholly owned of Corporation since 2013—So-net has evolved from to high-speed offerings, including fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services introduced in May 2002 and ultra-fast options like the "So-net Hikari 10 Giga" plan reaching speeds up to 10 Gbps as of 2024. The company played a pioneering role in Japan's landscape, achieving milestones such as listing on the Mothers Index in December 2005. In addition to core connectivity, So-net has expanded into services with " Mobile" launched in 2016, (IoT) solutions in 2019, healthcare-related network services in 2023, and the streamlined “NURO Hikari One” plan in February 2025, while maintaining its focus on reliable, high-performance digital infrastructure under the broader Network Communications umbrella.

History

Establishment and early years (1995–2005)

So-net traces its origins to the Sony Communication Network Corporation, which was jointly established in November 1995 by Corporation, , Inc., and Sony Finance International, Inc., as a venture to enter the burgeoning services market in . This founding reflected Sony's strategic push into digital communications amid the rapid commercialization of the following the liberalization of 's telecommunications sector. In January 1996, the company launched the So-net connection service, positioning itself as one of Japan's early manufacturer-backed service providers (ISPs) and capitalizing on Sony's brand to attract individual and business users to dial-up access. The service quickly gained traction in a landscape dominated by academic and niche networks, helping to democratize connectivity for the general public during the mid-1990s boom spurred by adoption. By November 1997, So-net expanded into digital entertainment with the release of PostPet DX, an innovative pet e-mail software that allowed users to send messages via animated virtual pets, marking an early fusion of communication and multimedia content. Prioritizing user trust, So-net achieved Privacy Mark certification in November 1999, becoming the first ISP in to receive this designation for its commitment to protection under the nation's standards. This milestone underscored the company's focus on secure online services at a time when data concerns were emerging with widespread adoption. In May 2002, So-net entered the high-speed era by launching its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity service, which provided significantly faster speeds compared to prevailing DSL and cable options, enabling richer applications like streaming and large file transfers. Further emphasizing security, the company obtained Information Security Management System () certifications in June 2003, including (precursor to ISO/IEC 27001:2005) and the domestic designation standard (currently JIS Q 27001:2006), as the first ISP to secure both international and national accreditations for safeguarding information assets. These certifications reinforced So-net's reliability amid growing cyber threats. The period culminated in December 2005 with the company's listing on the Mothers Index, providing capital for future scaling while solidifying its role in Japan's evolving digital landscape.

Expansion and public listing (2006–2012)

In October 2006, Sony Communication Network Corporation changed its name to So-net Entertainment Corporation to better align with its growing involvement in entertainment-related services and to enhance brand consistency across its expanding portfolio. This rebranding reflected the company's strategic shift toward integrating services with distribution, building on its established ISP foundation. The following year, in November 2007, the company relocated its headquarters to , Shinagawa-ku, , as part of efforts to centralize operations and support increased scale in the competitive broadband market. This move facilitated improved administrative efficiency amid rising demand for high-speed in . In 2008, So-net Entertainment was upgraded to the First Section of the , a milestone that signified its strengthened financial position and market recognition following years of subscriber growth. A key expansion occurred in February 2010 when So-net Entertainment acquired the ISP business from USEN Corporation, integrating additional infrastructure and customer resources to enhance its network capabilities. This transaction allowed the company to broaden its service reach and consolidate its role as a major player in Japan's connectivity sector. By December 2012, amid Sony Corporation's initiative to streamline its subsidiaries, So-net Entertainment was delisted from the First Section of the , paving the way for it to become a wholly owned entity under 's direct control. The delisting, effective on December 26, supported Sony's broader strategy to integrate network services more tightly with its entertainment and electronics ecosystems.

Sony integration and modern developments (2013–2025)

In January 2013, So-net became a wholly owned of Corporation, marking the beginning of its full integration into the parent company's ecosystem and enabling deeper alignment with 's broader technological and network strategies. This shift followed its delisting from the , allowing to consolidate control over its operations. Later that year, in April, the company launched “NURO Hikari,” an ultra-fast fiber-optic internet service aimed at delivering gigabit-level speeds to residential and business users across . In July 2013, it underwent a name change to So-net Corporation, reflecting its evolving role within 's portfolio. By 2015, the company introduced optical collaboration model fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services in February, partnering with infrastructure providers to expand high-speed access in urban areas. This was followed in June by the rollout of 10 Gbps downlink FTTH capabilities through “,” positioning it as a leader in next-generation . In March 2016, So-net temporarily transitioned to become a of Communications Inc., further integrating its network services with Sony's mobile division to support unified connectivity solutions. That May, the headquarters relocated to Higashi-Shinagawa in Shinagawa-ku, , optimizing operations amid growing service demands. By July 2016, it rebranded as Network Communications Inc., solidifying its identity as a core network entity. In September, it launched the “nuro Mobile” service—later rebranded as “NURO Mobile”—expanding into wireless offerings to complement its fixed-line infrastructure. Advancements continued in 2018, with March seeing the achievement of symmetric 10 Gbps uplink and downlink speeds in “,” enhancing its appeal for data-intensive applications like streaming and . In September 2019, the company debuted “ELTRES™ IoT Network Service,” leveraging low-power wide-area (LPWA) technology to provide specialized connectivity for devices, targeting industrial and use cases. The following year, in March 2020, it introduced “ 20 Gs,” offering up to 20 Gbps speeds to meet escalating needs driven by and . In September 2021, Sony Network Communications expanded the “” brand into a comprehensive network service umbrella, encompassing , , and emerging solutions for a more cohesive . This strategic evolution was supported by an October 2022 headquarters relocation to Konan in Minato-ku, , aligning with 's centralized operations in the capital. In April 2023, it launched “mSafety™,” a network-connected wearable device paired with a healthcare solution, enabling remote monitoring and safety applications for enterprise and personal use. Recent developments have focused on service optimization and diversification. In October 2024, the company introduced “So-net 10 ,” a high-speed service with a maximum of 10 Gbps, targeting cost-effective ultra-broadband access. This was followed in February 2025 by the “NURO One” streamlined plan, featuring a revamped application-to-activation process to simplify and reduce setup times. In May 2025, it unveiled “PULSEZ,” a digital multimedia sports lesson service integrating for interactive, content. These initiatives underscore Network Communications' ongoing commitment to integrating advanced networking with innovative digital services through 2025.

Services

Broadband internet services

So-net operates as one of Japan's leading fixed providers, ranking fourth among major fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service providers based on in recent industry analyses as of 2023. The company's core FTTH offerings are centered on the "So-net " and " Hikari" brands, which provide high-speed primarily for residential and users across the country. So-net leverages collaborations with NTT's FLET'S infrastructure, offering plans with speeds up to 10 Gbps; in October 2024, So-net launched the "So-net 10 Giga" variant, delivering maximum download and upload speeds of 10 Gbps for both individual homes and corporate applications. NURO Hikari stands out as So-net's premium, proprietary ultra-fast FTTH service, initially launched in April 2013 with 2 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload speeds. The service evolved significantly, achieving bidirectional 10 Gbps capabilities by March 2018, followed by the introduction of 20 Gbps plans in March 2020 under the "NURO Hikari 20 Gs" branding. In February 2025, So-net streamlined the offering with "NURO Hikari One," a simplified plan that expedites the application and activation process while maintaining high-speed performance. For multi-dwelling units such as condominiums, So-net provides "NURO Hikari Connect," a installation that enables shared high-speed FTTH across buildings, including value-added features like optimized allocation for multiple residents. In addition to FTTH, So-net historically offered legacy () services, which were fully phased out by September 30, 2021, as the company shifted focus to fiber-based technologies; current options emphasize FTTH through direct lines or partnerships with regional providers to extend coverage.

Mobile and wireless services

So-net entered the mobile services market as a (MVNO), leveraging partnerships with major carriers to offer high-speed . The company's initial offering, So-net モバイル , launched in and utilized NTT Docomo's and FOMA networks to provide speeds of up to 112.5 Mbps downlink and 37.5 Mbps uplink. This service targeted users seeking portable , with plans including voice options and monthly data allowances starting from basic to higher-capacity tiers. New subscriptions for So-net モバイル ended in September 2016 as part of a portfolio streamlining, though existing users continued service until transitions to newer offerings. In September 2016, So-net renewed its portfolio with the launch of Mobile (rebranded as NURO Mobile in subsequent years), emphasizing competitive pricing and flexible plans. Operating primarily on NTT Docomo's network, NURO Mobile offers customizable plans ranging from 0.2 GB to 55 GB monthly, with features like data rollover, gifting, and data-free usage for select apps to minimize waste. These plans appeal to cost-conscious urban consumers, with entry-level options as low as 330 yen per month and higher tiers providing substantial for heavy usage. As of 2025, NURO Mobile supports 4G LTE connectivity with an optional free upgrade available via Docomo's network, enabling faster speeds in compatible areas without additional fees after SIM activation. This upgrade targets metropolitan users, where coverage is robust, though it does not guarantee speed improvements in all scenarios and disables fallback on Docomo lines. While traditional unlimited data plans are limited due to MVNO constraints, NURO Mobile's high-data options and add-ons effectively support near-unlimited needs for streaming and browsing in urban settings. NURO Mobile integrates seamlessly with So-net's fixed-line services through shared membership systems, allowing users to bundle with So-net 光 (powered by NURO Hikari) for discounts of up to 792 yen monthly on mobile basic fees for the first 12 months. This enables straightforward transitions between fixed broadband and mobile plans under a single So-net account, including unified billing and point redemption for service fees.

Additional digital and enterprise services

Beyond its core connectivity offerings, So-net provides a range of supplementary digital services tailored for , , and applications. In September 2019, So-net launched the ELTRES™ IoT Network Service, a specialized connectivity platform utilizing low-power wide-area (LPWA) technology developed by for (IoT) use cases. This service enables long-range, low-energy communication for applications such as , , and , supporting devices over distances up to several kilometers with minimal battery consumption. ELTRES employs a proprietary sub-GHz frequency standard to facilitate scalable deployments in sectors like and , where reliable data transmission from remote sensors is essential. In the healthcare domain, So-net introduced mSafety™ in April 2023 as a network-connected wearable device paired with a cloud-based solution for remote patient monitoring. The platform integrates biometric sensors in a wrist-worn device to track vital signs such as heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns, transmitting data securely to healthcare providers via So-net's infrastructure. Designed for business-to-business applications, mSafety supports chronic disease management and workplace safety programs by enabling real-time alerts and proactive interventions, with compliance to medical data privacy standards. In 2023, it received recognition as the "Best Biometric Sensor Solution" from MedTech Breakthrough Awards for its role in advancing remote health monitoring. So-net also offers entertainment-focused digital services, including the legacy PostPet e-mail software originally released in 1997, which visualized communication through characters delivering messages in a gamified interface. This early digital pet service, popular in during the late 1990s and early , combined email functionality with interactive animations to make online correspondence more engaging for novice users. More recently, in May 2025, So-net launched PULSEZ, a digital multimedia sports lesson service providing on-demand video tutorials and interactive coaching for activities like fitness training and team sports. PULSEZ leverages So-net's high-speed network to deliver streaming content with real-time feedback features, targeting consumers seeking accessible home-based athletic instruction. For clients, So-net delivers bulk internet solutions through subsidiaries like Network Communications Connect Inc., offering high-capacity connectivity such as the NURO Hikari Connect service for multi-unit buildings and environments. These packages provide scalable for organizations requiring robust transfer, including dedicated lines for video conferencing and . Additionally, So-net supports privacy-focused via options that include and controls, helping businesses comply with regulations like Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information. Through its subsidiary So-net Game Studio, established as a developer, So-net contributes to by producing titles that integrate with platforms for gamified employee or customer apps. Examples include 3D-based XR experiences and casual games distributed via app stores. Value-added features further enhance these services, such as the So-net 安心サポート (Anshin Support), a paid assistance program offering remote , antivirus protection through integrated tools like S-SAFE, and malware detection for secure digital operations. S-SAFE provides comprehensive defenses against viruses, , and , with features like online banking safeguards, available as an optional add-on for both personal and users. These supports emphasize proactive to complement So-net's broader .

Corporate structure

Ownership and governance

So-net operates as a wholly owned of Corporation, having been fully acquired through a stock swap effective January 1, 2013, which delisted it from public trading and integrated it directly under 's control. In March 2016, it was temporarily realigned as a of Communications Inc. to support broader network synergies, before reverting to direct Corporation oversight following its renaming to Sony Network Communications Inc. in July 2016. This structure positions So-net within Group's Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) segment, where financial oversight is managed through consolidated reporting without independent listing or external equity. Governance of Sony Network Communications Inc. follows a traditional with a and corporate auditor, aligned with Group's oversight for strategic alignment and . The company is headquartered at 1-7-1 Konan, Minato-ku, , following a relocation in October 2022 to consolidate operations within Sony's central facilities. is headed by Noriyoshi Nakagawa, who, in the 2025 corporate vision, underscores adaptation to technological shifts such as , , , and integration, while addressing climate challenges through reduced CO2 emissions from communication infrastructure to foster sustainable growth.

Subsidiaries and international presence

So-net's domestic subsidiaries primarily support its core operations in , , , and emerging technologies within . Sony Biz Networks Corporation provides solutions, including the “NURO Biz” service tailored for corporate networking and enterprise-level connectivity. So-net Game Studio Ltd. focuses on the development and production of smartphone games and (XR) products, leveraging technology for immersive entertainment experiences. SoVeC Corporation specializes in digital communications solutions, such as the “XR CHANNEL” platform, enabling advanced virtual and applications. Additionally, SMN Corporation delivers solutions on the So-net , utilizing and high-speed data processing to optimize and user engagement. Internationally, So-net maintains a targeted presence through subsidiaries in and , adapting services to regional needs without extensive global expansion. So-net Entertainment Taiwan Limited, established in 2001 as a with , operates as an in , offering access, smartphone games, corporate networking solutions, and entertainment content. This entity represents So-net's primary international foothold in the region, emphasizing localized ISP services and since its inception. Network Communications Europe B.V. handles limited operations in , providing network service solutions and business incubation for content delivery and (IoT) applications, supporting Group's broader connectivity initiatives. Overall, So-net's operations remain centered in , with subsidiary activities extending to and select European markets, prioritizing growth and no significant presence in the United States or other regions as of 2025.

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