Launch of New Data Center Interconnect (DCI) Service in the Osaka Metropolitan Area ~Expanding Digital Infrastructure Business Centered on Data Centers and DCI~

NTT Smart Connect Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President and CEO: Takehito Miyokaku; hereinafter "the Company") will begin providing a new Data Center Interconnect (DCI) service in the Osaka metropolitan area starting January 1, 2027 (Fri). In addition to the existing in-house cabling service between company-operated data centers (DCs) in central Osaka, this new service will enhance connectivity with third-party data centers, thereby improving customer convenience.

1. Background and Objectives

To date, the Company has provided cabling services between its own DCs in central Osaka, including "Dōjima Connect," addressing interconnection needs in the Kansai region.

With the rapid adoption of AI and the shift toward an AI-driven society, demand is increasing for secure, high-quality, long-distance, high-capacity, and low-latency communications that go beyond traditional frameworks—such as connecting distributed computing resources both domestically and internationally, and strengthening existing digital infrastructure. To meet this demand, the NTT Group is deploying "AIOWN" (*1), an AI-native infrastructure, and the Company will expand its service offerings centered on DCs and DCI in western Japan. Through flexible, high-quality digital infrastructure, we aim to support our customers' business growth.

As the first step in this initiative, we will launch a DCI service that seamlessly connects data centers in central Osaka and the surrounding metropolitan areas. Going forward, centered on the Dōjima Campus—one of Japan's largest Internet Exchange (IX) hubs—and leveraging core DCs in Osaka and Fukuoka, we will integrate NTT Group's IOWN technologies and diverse partner services to connect major domestic locations—including Osaka, Fukuoka, and Tokyo—as well as landing stations, thereby expanding the provision of highly reliable and highly available digital infrastructure.

(Illustration: Future Business Expansion Focused on DC and DCI)

2. Service Overview

This service connects multiple data centers in central and suburban areas of Osaka via high-quality optical fiber, supporting a wide range of use cases based on customer needs.

Service Name: DCI Service

Service Area: Central Osaka DCs, Saito Area DCs

Service Offering: Optical fiber strand provisioning

Unit of Provision: 2-core per strand (SMF)

*For details, please contact your sales representative.

3. Service Features

1 High Flexibility via Fiber Strand Provisioning

Customers can freely select and operate their own transmission equipment, enabling flexible network design tailored to specific applications.

2 Flexible DC Connectivity Across the Osaka Metropolitan Area

Supports a wide range of connection configurations from urban to suburban areas within Osaka. Flexible support for hybrid setups combining urban and suburban DCs, as well as redundant network configurations for BCP (Business Continuity Planning) and DR (Disaster Recovery).

3 Stable Communication Environment via High-Quality Optical Fiber Infrastructure

By utilizing low-loss optical fiber deployed in dedicated underground tunnels (*2), this service delivers high-quality communication between data centers.

4. Planned Service Launch Date

January 1, 2027

5. Future Outlook

Going forward, the Company will expand the service coverage area to meet increasingly diverse customer needs—including AI infrastructure, cloud connectivity, and backup/DR environments—thereby strengthening interconnection infrastructure. Anticipating growing demand for AI infrastructure and increasing data traffic, we will continue infrastructure development and service quality improvements to provide stable digital infrastructure and contribute to the advancement of the digital infrastructure foundation.

6. Related Website

"Housing Service" Website

https://housing.nttsmc.com/

*1 AIOWN is the NTT Group's AI-native infrastructure that optimizes resources such as GPU, network, and power according to customers' AI use cases, delivering a secure environment and integrated operations extending to the edge.

Deployment of AI-native Infrastructure "AIOWN" to Achieve Resource Optimization and Operations Aligned with AI Advancement | News Release | NTT

*2 Dedicated underground tunnels used for laying communication cables between network hubs.

Note: The information contained in this press release is current as of the date of announcement. Please note that changes may occur, and we appreciate your understanding and attention.

[For inquiries regarding this matter]

NTT Smart Connect Co., Ltd.

IDC Business Division Email: info@mcnet.ad.jp

TEL: 06-6147-5192

*Please confirm the phone number carefully to ensure correct dialing.