Under the framework, the four telcos will share their assets, use ships owned by NTT and KDDI and strengthen coordination between mobile and fixed-line communication providers.

With the added participation of SoftBank and Rakuten to the existing "Connect to Change" project led by NTT and KDDI, the telcos will promote and strengthen inter-operator cooperation.

The cooperative framework includes:

1) Shared use of assets such as business facilities, accommodation, storage sites and refuelling stations to assist network restoration activities.

2) Use of cable-laying ships owned by NTT and KDDI to transport relief supplies, such as portable base stations, generators, fuel, mobile phones, water and food supplies, and deploy ship-based base stations including those owned by SoftBank and Rakuten.

3) Strengthened collaboration between mobile and fixed-line operators to share crucial information needed to assess damage and restore networks, including mobile base station backhaul links.

The telcos say they will continue to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including disaster response, to ensure the swift restoration of networks.

"The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Information and Communications Bureau has recognised the efforts made by the telecommunications carriers during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and expects further advancements in cooperation among them in the event of large-scale disasters," the telcos said in a joint statement.