NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. (formerly NTT Communications Corporation), along with its Hong Kong subsidiary NTT Com Asia, has announced the launch of the “APN InterLink” service in Hong Kong, set to begin on November 1, 2025. The new service leverages All-Photonic Network (APN) technology, a core component of the IOWN® initiative, to deliver ultra-low latency connectivity tailored for financial institutions. Designed for Hong Kong—a leading financial hub in Asia—the service enables high-speed, reliable data transmission through photonic technology, supporting latency-sensitive applications such as algorithmic trading, high-frequency trading (HFT), real-time transaction processing, and low-latency access to nearby market data. The deployment marks a significant step in modernizing financial infrastructure in the region. As financial services undergo rapid digital transformation, the demand for faster, more resilient networks continues to grow. Even minor delays can impact trading outcomes, making ultra-low latency a critical competitive advantage. With APN InterLink, financial institutions can accelerate innovation, strengthen operational foundations, and support future initiatives such as AI-driven solutions and collaborative development platforms. For mission-critical operations, robust disaster recovery capabilities are essential to ensure business continuity. IOWN®-based APN enables efficient, seamless data transfer across geographically dispersed sites, significantly enhancing resilience and operational efficiency in the face of large-scale disruptions. The APN InterLink service offers two key connectivity solutions: APN DCLink (Data Center Link): Connects NTT Com Asia’s financial data center with its Tai Po data center via APN, creating an ultra-low latency network. Given the proximity of the financial data center to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), this solution ensures optimal performance for time-sensitive financial operations. APN DedicatedLink: Provides seamless, dedicated connectivity between any customer location or data center in Hong Kong. Customers can connect to the Financial Data Center (FDC) and the Tokyo Point of Presence Data Center (TPDC), enabling ultra-low latency access to HKEX and other key financial systems. Looking ahead, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS and NTT Com Asia plan to expand the deployment of IOWN® APN across the Asia Submarine Express (ASE) undersea cable system connecting Tokyo and Hong Kong. The companies also aim to establish IOWN® APN hubs across Asia, enabling seamless collaboration between major financial centers and accelerating the region’s digital transformation. Takashi Fujishima, Senior Executive Director and Head of Platform Services at NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, said: “We are already delivering IOWN® APN services through ‘docomo business APN Plus powered by IOWN®’ in Japan, with strong customer adoption. We are now actively working to interconnect this service with the new ‘APN InterLink’ in Hong Kong, expanding our global reach. This initiative is designed to support our clients’ most critical business and operational needs.” Daiyu Kuroda, CEO of NTT Com Asia, added: “We are proud to launch APN InterLink in one of the world’s leading financial centers—Hong Kong. By applying cutting-edge IOWN® technology, we are building the next-generation network infrastructure for the financial industry.” In this collaboration: - NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS provides the ‘docomo business APN Plus’ service and manages sales in Japan. - NTT Com Asia delivers the ‘APN InterLink’ service and handles sales in Hong Kong. Pricing and specific use cases are available upon inquiry through NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS or NTT Com Asia sales representatives. IOWN® is a groundbreaking initiative led by the NTT Group and the IOWN Global Forum, a coalition of over 170 member organizations from 19 countries, including global leaders in telecommunications, cloud computing, and semiconductors. IOWN® aims to revolutionize network architecture and intelligent infrastructure by replacing traditional electronic transmission with photonic technology integrated with software. This shift enables high-capacity, ultra-low latency, and energy-efficient connectivity, driving transformative change across industries. It supports real-time data processing, intelligent automation, and ESG goals, advancing sustainable digital transformation. On July 1, 2025, NTT Communications Corporation officially rebranded to NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. The company is committed to creating new value and contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable society. It aims to become a platform for digital transformation in industries and communities, enabling autonomous, decentralized, and collaborative societies. For more information, visit: https://www.ntt.com/about-us/nttdocomobusiness.html APN: A full photonic network that applies photonic technology across all layers of the network and end devices. IOWN®: A network and information processing platform that enables a smarter society using photonic and information processing technologies. “IOWN®” is a trademark or registered trademark of NTT Corporation. Algorithmic trading refers to the use of computer systems to automatically determine the timing, price, and quantity of stock orders, and to execute them repeatedly. docomo business APN Plus powered by IOWN®: A high-capacity, low-latency, and stable network service based on the IOWN® concept. *docomo business APN Plus is a trademark application in progress. For more news, visit: https://www.ntt.com/about-us/press-releases/news/article/2025/0918.html