Japan's Telecommunications Carriers Enhance Collaborative Framework for Rapid Disaster Support by Implementing Evacuation Support Area Allocation
NTT, Inc.
NTT EAST, Inc.
NTT WEST, Inc.
NTT DOCOMO, Inc.
NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc.
KDDI Corporation
SoftBank Corp.
Rakuten Mobile, Inc.
Tokyo, October 22, 2025―Japan's eight telecommunications companies―NTT, Inc., NTT EAST, NTT WEST, NTT DOCOMO and NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS (the NTT Group), KDDI Corporation, SoftBank Corp. and Rakuten Mobile―today announced the implementation of area allocation for evacuation shelter support and the standardization of an information dissemination system starting October 22, 2025. These measures, complementing the cooperative information-sharing system launched in early July 2025 [
1], are being implemented by the companies with the aim of further expediting support for disaster-affected areas during large-scale disasters.
This system is part of the "Connect to Change" project [2] and builds upon the cooperative framework launched on December 1, 2024 [3], which aims to ensure the rapid restoration of communication networks in the event of large-scale disasters.
1. Objective of the evacuation shelter support area allocation and information dissemination system
In the event of a large-scale disaster, telecommunications carriers provide crucial support to affected areas, often deploying communication services for evacuation centers. Previously, these efforts were conducted by the companies independently, sometimes leading to redundant resources and regional disparities in services. Under the new system, the eight companies aim to allocate evacuation shelter support areas among themselves to ensure that support, including communication services, can be delivered promptly to those in disaster-stricken areas. Additionally, by standardizing the content of information dissemination and utilizing a common logo for the evacuation shelter support areas provided by each telecommunications carrier, the companies will strive to make information more easy to understand for all stakeholders.
2. Details of the evacuation shelter support area allocation and information dissemination system
(1) Start Date
October 22, 2025
(2) Details
In addition to the collaborative information-sharing system launched in early July 2025, the companies will initiate the following new measures:
- Implement area allocation for evacuation shelter support in disaster-stricken regions.
- Standardize information dissemination regarding evacuation shelter support areas.
- Utilize a common logo for evacuation shelter support areas (reference: initiatives that began in July 2025).
- Share information on supported evacuation shelters (e.g., availability of communication and device charging services).
- Post contact information for inquiries about each communication provider's services.
- Exhibit efforts under this system at disaster prevention drills and disaster prevention events conducted by municipalities and communication providers.
■Area allocation for evacuation shelter support in disaster-stricken areas
In scenarios requiring the prompt provision of communication services to numerous shelters, a strategic allocation of support areas will be implemented. Support services offered by individual telecommunications operators for shelters are accessible to all, regardless of their personal service contract.
■Standardization of information dissemination for evacuation shelter support
Comprehensive support details from all carriers will be published on individual company websites adhering to a unified format.
■Use of common logo
A common logo will be implemented during shelter support activities, disaster drills, and other relevant events, aiming to foster a clearer understanding of the cooperation framework among telecommunications carriers [4].
■New Logo
The logo incorporates the corporate colors of NTT, KDDI, SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile within its four-hand design. These hands, overlapping and converging at the center, symbolize the unified effort of the four companies working toward a shared objective.
3. Future plans
Moving forward, in addition to further strengthening their cooperation, the eight telecommunications companies will continue conducting joint training exercises to expand and accelerate support to evacuation centers in disaster-stricken areas to contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society.
- [1]
- [2]
- [3]
- [4]Display of the logo may vary depending on the status of tool deployment.
- *The information contained in the articles is current at the time of publication.
Products, service fees, service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.
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