这两年，AI走进办公室已经不算新鲜事，用AI辅助写作、查阅邮件或是总结信息等。也有一些公司用AI充当客服，提供协助咨询服务。但AI始终是一个辅 助性质的工具，一切都还要听使用者发号施令。假如角色反转，让AI检查真人的工作，会是怎样？ 日本电信公司KDDI启用的策略名为"AI上司/AI本部长"系统，这套大模型预先学习了真实本部长的说话方式、常用口头禅、决策习惯和审批逻辑，然后投入 到工作流。简单来说，就是KDDI给自己的员工配了个"AI老板"，你写完企划书、提案、内部申请后，直接交给AI，它会给出反馈。 当然，虽然KDDI给这个系统设计了相对高级的职位，但实际上却不是那么回事。"AI上司/AI本部长"系统真正参与到的工作，其实还是负责查阅、审批等简 单的事物，最核心解决的是大企业中繁杂的审批流程，以及应对上级领导缺勤时的工作检查的等问题。 如果有一天，你交上去的方案不是被老板看，而是被一个AI查阅、点评、修改，甚至直接决定能不能过，会是什么感觉？ 这听起来很荒谬，但一家公司已经开始这么干了。日本大型电信公司KDDI近期启用"AI老板"战略，通过大模型学习管理层的工作模式和点评语气，直接用 于处理员工提交的方案、 ...

Core Insights - KDDI has partnered with Bango to offer subscription bundles to its povo2.0 customers, enhancing the mobile service with access to leading streaming services [1][4] - The collaboration utilizes Bango's Digital Vending Machine® (DVM™) to simplify the bundling of subscription services for pre-paid subscribers [3][4] Company Overview - KDDI is one of Japan's largest telecommunications companies, serving over 70 million subscribers [1] - povo2.0 is a flexible mobile service that allows customers to enhance their plans with optional add-ons, including data top-ups and short-term unlimited usage [2][6] Partnership Details - The partnership with Bango allows KDDI to quickly introduce new subscription services, consolidating multiple streaming options into a single platform [3] - Bango's DVM simplifies the operational complexities of subscription bundling, enabling KDDI to rapidly deploy new offers and gain insights for optimizing bundles [3][4] Strategic Benefits - The collaboration aims to strengthen customer loyalty and retention by providing high-value content to povo2.0 subscribers [4] - KDDI expects to expand its customer base and enhance engagement with existing customers through the new subscription bundles [4] Technology and Market Impact - Bango's technology is trusted by major content providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, indicating its reliability in driving the subscription economy [5] - The DVM is designed to empower subscribers with choice and control, facilitating the growth of the subscription model in the digital content market [5]

Core Insights - Thailand is positioning itself as a leading hub for digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia, with the Board of Investment (BOI) approving four new data center projects valued at THB 100 billion (USD 3.1 billion) to compete with Singapore and Malaysia in the growing demand for AI and cloud services [1][5]. Details on New Projects - NextGen Data Center and Cloud Services plans to build an 84-MW hyperscale data center in Pathum Thani Province, requiring an investment of THB 26.7 billion (USD 826.42 million) [2]. - Zenith Data Center and Cloud Services will invest THB 54.9 billion (USD 1.7 billion) to develop a 200-MW hyperscale facility in the same location [3]. - Telehouse (Thailand) aims to expand its existing facility in Bangkok with a 12-MW data center, funded by THB 7.55 billion (USD 233.64 million) [3]. - Vistas Technology will invest THB 9.9 billion (USD 306.39 million) to construct an 80-MW facility in the Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate [4]. Thailand's Digital Infrastructure Strategy - The BOI's approval of these projects highlights Thailand's strategy to attract hyperscale operators and enhance its digital infrastructure, with a commitment to facilitating world-class investments [5]. - The BOI has also issued six licenses to restart previously stalled data center projects, collectively valued at USD 9.2 billion, aiming to resolve issues related to power availability and industrial land access [5]. Context and Outlook - Since 2024, Thailand has seen a surge in data center investments, with major companies like AWS, Google, Microsoft, and ByteDance making significant commitments [6]. - In the first half of 2025, the sector attracted THB 521.2 billion (USD 16.13 billion) in approved investments across 28 projects [6]. - The new developments are expected to significantly increase Thailand's data center capacity, meeting the rising domestic and regional demand for AI and cloud services [7]. Impact on Digital Economy - The new data center projects will enhance Thailand's position in Southeast Asia's digital economy by increasing data center capacity and addressing the growing demand for cloud and AI services [10].

Group 1 - KDDI is holding its earnings release conference for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2026, with the event being moderated by a representative from the Public Relations Department [1] - The earnings release will be distributed through multiple channels, including YouTube, and related documents have been uploaded to KDDI's website [1] - The conference features key executives, including President and CEO Hiromichi Matsuda, CFO Nanae Saishoji, CSO and CDO Tomohiko Katsuki, and Executive Director Kenji Aketa [2]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Wireless Non-US industry is facing challenges such as high capital expenditures for infrastructure upgrades, margin erosion, supply-chain disruptions, and geopolitical conflicts, but healthy demand trends in the digital age are expected to benefit the industry long-term [1][4]. Key Players - KDDI Corporation, Vodafone Group, and Millicom International Cellular are positioned to benefit from the rising demand for scalable infrastructure due to the proliferation of IoT and accelerated 5G deployment [2]. Industry Description - The industry includes mobile telecommunications and broadband service providers that offer voice services, value-added services like IoT, content streaming, and mobile payment solutions, as well as IT solutions and cable/satellite pay television subscriptions [3]. Current Challenges - Profit margins are being affected by high raw material prices, prolonged geopolitical tensions, and proposed tariffs, leading to a demand-supply imbalance and increased operational costs [4]. - The rise of over-the-top service providers is intensifying price-sensitive competition, which may limit customer retention and impact financial results [4]. Network Developments - There is a significant demand for network convergence, requiring traditional carriers to invest heavily in advanced networking architecture to meet the growing demand for coverage and quality [5]. - Continuous network upgrades are necessary to maintain performance standards, as telecom services are considered necessities and show weak correlation to macroeconomic factors [5]. Evolving Business Models - Increased spending on infrastructure upgrades is compromising short-term margins, leading companies to diversify from legacy services to business and enterprise opportunities [6]. - Companies are investing in software-defined networks and new Cloud Core architecture to enhance their service offerings [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Wireless Non-US industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 166, indicating it is in the bottom 33% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting bearish near-term prospects [7][8]. - Over the past year, the industry has gained 20.2%, outperforming the S&P 500's 16.1% but lagging behind the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 21.9% [9]. Valuation Metrics - The industry has a trailing 12-month Price/Book ratio of 1.22X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 8.37X and the sector's 9.92X [11]. Notable Companies - **KDDI Corporation**: Focuses on 5G communications and aims for growth in finance, energy, and healthcare, with a stock gain of 12.6% over the past year [14]. - **Vodafone Group**: Engages in telecommunications across Europe and has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 20.1%, with a stock gain of 20.4% [15]. - **Millicom International Cellular**: Provides a range of digital services in Latin America and has seen a stock gain of 74.7% in the past year [19].

Group 1 - The article focuses on the Asia Value & Moat Stocks research service, which targets value investors looking for Asia-listed stocks with significant discrepancies between price and intrinsic value [1] - The service emphasizes deep value balance sheet bargains, such as net cash stocks and low price-to-book (P/B) stocks, as well as wide moat stocks that represent high-quality businesses [1] - The author provides a range of watch lists with monthly updates, specifically concentrating on investment opportunities in the Hong Kong market [1]

Group 1 - KDDI and NEC will collaborate in the field of cybersecurity [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consolidated operating revenue for Q3 FY 2025 was ¥4,364.2 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.3% with a progress ratio of 75.6% against the full year forecast [2][3][4] - The operating income reached ¥864.6 billion, up 2.0% year-on-year, with a progress ratio of 77.9% [2][4][5] - Net income showed a progress ratio of 77.8%, with a year-on-year increase of 0.6% when excluding temporary impacts from subsidiary reorganizations [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The communications ARPU revenues increased by ¥3.5 billion year-on-year, while value-added ARPU revenues rose by ¥27.9 billion year-on-year [7][11] - The financial and energy businesses combined contributed an increase of ¥12.6 billion, and Lawson's equity method accounted income was up ¥18.2 billion [6][19] - The Business Services segment reported a year-to-date operating revenue of ¥1,012 billion, driven by a 19.9% year-on-year growth in the growth area, particularly in IoT-related services [21][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of smartphone subscriptions has been steadily increasing, although the multi-brand churn rate has risen due to intensified competition [8][9] - The introduction of competitive pricing plans in UQ mobile and au has led to a recovery in monthly net additions since November [10][11] - The customer base for the financial business remains strong, with au PAY Card exceeding 10 million members and au Jibun Bank's mortgage loans surpassing ¥5 trillion [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance the synergy between communications and financial services, focusing on increasing the ratio of unlimited plans and value-added services [12][13] - Collaborative initiatives with Lawson are progressing, with plans to start eSIM sales at all Lawson stores soon [14][15] - The company is committed to strengthening its AI and communication infrastructure, particularly through the WAKON-CROSS platform, to support digital transformation [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the rapid changes in the communications industry, emphasizing the transition from 5G to an AI-driven era [42][43] - The company is focused on maintaining high communication quality and expanding its service offerings to meet growing customer demands [17][91] - Future strategies will include leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiencies [54][98] Other Important Information - The company plans to exhibit at MWC Barcelona 2025, showcasing its initiatives in communications and AI [29][30] - The new President, Hiromichi Matsuda, will focus on sustainable growth and enhancing the company's ability to connect various services [50][103] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are Mr. Matsuda's strengths and weaknesses? - Mr. Matsuda described his strength as being tenacious in exploring win-win points with partners, while acknowledging the need to improve as a new member of the top management team [58][60] Question: What technology is Mr. Matsuda most interested in? - Mr. Matsuda expressed a strong passion for telecommunications and emphasized the importance of integrating AI with 5G technology [64][68] Question: How does Mr. Matsuda plan to build relationships with global partners? - Mr. Matsuda highlighted the importance of presenting KDDI's contributions and leveraging new technologies to enhance partnerships [114] Question: What is the company's plan for the consumer business? - Mr. Matsuda indicated that understanding consumer needs will be crucial in the next medium-term plan, with a focus on expanding the economic zone [139] Question: What achievements is Mr. Takahashi proud of during his presidency? - Mr. Takahashi noted the company's success in achieving number one in communication quality and building a foundation for integrating life design with communication [111][112]

Consolidated Financial Results - Operating revenue reached 4,364.2 billion yen, a year-on-year increase of 2.3%[6] - Operating income totaled 864.6 billion yen, up 2.0% year-on-year[6] - Profit for the period was 536.5 billion yen, a 0.6% increase year-on-year, excluding temporary impacts[6] - Progress against full-year forecasts for operating revenue, operating income, and profit for the period were 77.9%, 77.8%, and 75.6% respectively[6] Personal Services Segment - Total ARPU revenues increased to 1,488.2 billion yen, a rise of 27.9 billion yen[15] - Communications ARPU revenue increased steadily, with continued upward trend by brands[15] - Value-added ARPU revenue also increased steadily[15] - Multi-brand IDs saw positive monthly net additions after new pricing plans were introduced[22] - Total ARPU reached 5,210 yen in Q3, with communications ARPU at 3,970 yen and value-added ARPU at 1,380 yen[27] Business Services Segment - Consolidated operating revenue grew to 122.0 billion yen, a year-on-year increase of 20.8%[48] - IoT-related services operating revenue increased to 486.1 billion yen[48] - IoT Connections increased to 48.52 million, a year-on-year increase of 22.2%[48] Financial Business - au PAY Card membership exceeded 10 million[45] - au Jibun Bank exceeded 5 trillion yen in cumulative mortgage loan amount[45] Telecom x Convenience Store - povo Data Oasis led to approximately 20% QOQ increase in new acquisitions[36] - Average daily sales at Lawson stores increased by 3.4% year-on-year due to collaboration with KDDI[36]

SAN FRANCISCO and TOKYO, Nov. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Swift Navigation, a global leader in precise positioning technology, and KDDI Corporation, one of Japan's premier mobile network operators, announced the full commercial launch of Skylark® Precise Positioning Service in the Japanese market, which officially took place on October 8, 2024. Built on a carrier-grade network designed, deployed, and operated in partnership with KDDI, Skylark delivers unparalleled positioning accuracy to meet growing marke ...