WILLCOM Inc. (Headquarter: Minato District, Tokyo; President: Masaki Kikugawa) won the project to upgrade the backbone network of HOSPnet (refers to the generation information network system for state-owned hospitals) from the biggest hospital alliance of Japan, National Hospital Organization（Headquarter: Meguro District, Tokyo; Chairman: Yoshio Yazaki）

Taking advantage of PHS’ low effect on medical equipment due to its low electromagnetic wave, WILLCOM has introduced PHS systems to over 3,500 medical institutions and welfare facilities. Giving a high praise of WILLCOM’s past achievements and its positive attitude to provide special package to medical and welfare related units, National Hospital Organization entrusted WILLCOM to upgrade its backbone network this time, which would need WILLCOM’s expertise on not only wireless solution, but also the big-capacity fixed-line network connected to all its 176 hospitals (including 30 medical institutions such as National Hansen’s Disease Sanatorium.

National Hospital Organization planed to upgrade its backbone network so that the information network could become more efficient to meet the target to build a satisfactory medical system for Japanese people. WILLCOM has started the upgrading project on Oct. 23 and plans to complete the new HOSPnet by mid-November.

In order to continue providing wireless support for National Hospital Organization, WILLCOM proposed National W-VPN Service Plan based on the backbone network system under construction now, which would help realize the fixed-rate communication between any internal fixed-line in a medical institution and any of a WILLCOM PHS handset. W-VPN service is expected to be introduced as a trial in National Hospital Organization in near future.

Besides, WILLCOM is proposing the use of mobile system on distance and preventive medical care, in hope to resolute various problems including insufficient medical staffs and unsecured communication for medical institutions such as National Hospital Organization, to realize cooperation with local private doctors among various medical information resources. That is, WILLCOM does not make telecom infrastructure and mobile devices only. It provides total solution for medical institutions.

Further more, WILLCOM-developed Next-Generation PHS, which has realized a communication speed of 20Mbps, is under commercialization process. The solution plan with this Next-Generation PHS system is expected to help improve the efficiency of medical service further more in future.

Reporting Service: For Further Inquires about this Report Mr. Sugiuchi, Mr. Kakishima, Mr. Iwazaki at WILLCOM Inc. Tel: 813-5400-5709 Customers Service: 0120-921-156 (Free Dial)

Reference Material:

■ About National Hospital Organization
National Hospital Organization is established in April, 2004 as a unified legal person in charge of the management of all state-owned hospitals in the nation. National Hospital Organization aims at providing full coverage of medical service to local needs, as well as to construct and maintain national network to handle intensive diseases such as tuberculosis, infections, cancer, circulation disease, intensive mental/physical disability, muscular dystrophy and other neurological obstinate disease that has caused serious concern of the nation.


■ General Introduction of National Hospital Organization

• Amount of hospitals: 176 (including 30 medical institutions such as National Hansen’s Disease Sanatorium.
• Amount of Sickbeds: 60,000 Approx.
• Amount of Staffs: 48,000 Approx. (amount of formal staff by Jan. 1, 2007)