Plume expands in Japan with J:COM distribution deal

Smarthome vendor Plume has announced a partnership with Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM), Japan’s largest cable TV operator.

J:COM will offer its 5.5 million subscribers access to what it claims to be “the world’s most advanced Consumer Experience Management (CEM) Platform for the smart home” with Plume’s suite of networking products.

The telco will offer Plume’s full suite of products, including Haystack –Plume’s intelligent suite of support services, tools and data dashboards – that provides unprecedented insight to enable service providers to manage subscribers more effectively.

As part of this platform, Japanese cable operators will be able to offer HomePass to their subscribers. HomePass is a suite of smart home services that can be self-installed through the Plume App. These include Plume Adaptive WiFi, AI Security, Plume Motion and SuperPod.

The Telco said that operators will be able to deploy in less than 45 days and that it has secured roll-outs with ten cable operators. Chupicom Fureai, Chupicom Hiroshima, Imizu Cable Network, Kanazawa Cable, will all deploy services in July, with Ichinoseki Cable Network, Katch Network, CableTV (Tochigi), Ina Cable Television, CRCC Media and Bay Communications Inc. following in the second half of 2020.

Yusuke Ujimoto, corporate officer and GM, Business Innovation Unit at J:COM, said: “Plume understands the critical needs, demands and challenges of today’s smart homes and has become an established partner to ISPs, including cable operators, around the world.

“Cable operators across Japan are now empowered with the tools and technology they need to remain competitive and provide high-value services to their subscribers.”

Fahri Diner, co-founder & CEO of Plume, said: “We’re delighted to enable J:COM to develop its commercial operations and at the same time, further expand Plume’s presence throughout Japan and Asia. Today, in-home connectivity is at the forefront of every consumer’s mind, and we believe that with self-install and contactless support at the heart of our offering, there is no better time for cable operators in Japan to delight their subscribers with a comprehensive smart home offering.”