NTT Communications (NTT Com), JR West, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, and Development Bank of Japan have entered into a business partnership agreement, and the six companies will launch a comprehensive infrastructure management business called “JCLaaS.”
In “JCLaaS,” six companies act as platform providers for social infrastructure services, providing services necessary for the optimization of social infrastructure, ranging from “optimization planning,” “construction and maintenance system development and implementation,” and “financial arrangement.” They will comprehensively handle various functions and provide services tailored to the situation and requests of local governments.
In addition, in providing these services, they will collaborate with local partners, consultants, construction companies, and other partners.
The target market for “JCLaaS” is a large one in Japan, where maintenance costs and renewal investments are estimated at approximately 9 trillion yen to 12.9 trillion yen annually.
“JCLaaS” aims to operate in over 100 local governments by 2030.
The six companies have accumulated the knowledge they have cultivated in their respective businesses to promote “JCLaaS.” Leveraging its track record and capabilities in maintaining railway infrastructure over the long term, JR West will assume overall control and lead the optimization of long-term asset management of facilities and equipment.
NTT Com is responsible for long-distance communications infrastructure both domestically and internationally, and will take the lead in promoting digitalization and DX by leveraging its track record and ability to solve problems by making full use of ICT and other advanced technologies.
Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Bank of Mitsubishi UFJ, and Development Bank of Japan will take the lead in structuring the financing scheme and providing funds.
　
There is a need to take measures to address aging social infrastructure such as roads and water supplies, and to respond to increasingly severe disasters. Against the background of the ongoing population decline, concerns about lack of workers and financial resources are becoming apparent, especially in rural areas, and this will not only lead to an increase in the burden on citizens as a serious social issue, but will also become a factor that hinders future growth and development. It is expected that
Because this is a large-scale issue that affects people’s lives and economic activities throughout Japan, six companies have decided to work towards solving the issue and realizing a sustainable future society, and have decided to start the comprehensive infrastructure management business “JCLaaS”.