NTT DOCOMO's Race to 5G

The case, based on extensive interviews with NTT DOCOMO’s technology leaders, focuses on the opportunities and challenges that NTT DOCOMO faces with the launch of infrastructure and services for 5G wireless telecommunication technology. With higher data rates and capacity, lower latency, and massive device connectivity, 5G could support new opportunities for growing NTT DOCOMO’s business, which has been on a non-growth path since the early 2000s. The case details NTT DOCOMO’s actions during previous transitions across wireless generations, illustrating the tradeoffs between being a first technological mover versus learning from the experience from other players in the market. It also highlights the intricacies of making a transition within a technological ecosystem, where coordination across different players is key for a successful strategy. Specifically, the case provides a platform to discuss the strategic options NTT DOCOMO is pursuing prior to launching 5G: What new services could they offer? Should they target corporate customers? Can NTT DOCOMO return to a sustainable growth path through 5G? How can they capture a larger share of the value created through 5G enabled internet ecosystems?