Network is much more than a fast connection to the already-overloaded Internet.
Internet penetration in Japan is growing very quickly. Founded in January 1995, J-COM currently provides cable television services to 348,000 homes. Upon completion of its network construction, J-COM will pass more than 4.8 million homes. It also has launched high speed Internet services in several systems and has plans to expand the service into a majority of its systems by 2000. Besides its role as a trader, Sumitomo Corporation is increasingly active as an investor in a diverse range of businesses that mesh with existing operations, or that position the company in markets with long-term potential.