BBIX and OPTAGE Expand Collaboration to Build Next-Generation Network Infrastructure

BBIX and OPTAGE Expand Collaboration to Build Next-Generation Network Infrastructure

Companies strengthening connectivity centered on OCX and OPTAGE solutions

BBIX, Inc. (“BBIX”), and OPTAGE Inc. (“OPTAGE”) are pleased to announce an expansion of their collaboration to develop next-generation network infrastructure. This expanded collaboration follows their partnership agreement signed in November 2023 for “Open Connectivity eXchange” (“OCX”), a cloud-based network service jointly provided by BBIX and BBSakura Networks, Inc. (“BBSakura”). As part of the expanded collaboration, BBIX will open a new OCX connection point at the “OPTAGE Sonezaki Data Center (OC1)” in February 2026. Additionally, in March 2026, BBIX will launch “OPTAGE Connection,” an interconnection service between OCX and OPTAGE’s closed network.

Collaboration Overview

1. Launch an OCX PoP at “OC1”

An OCX PoP will be established at “OC1” data center which will be operated by OPTAGE from February 1, 2026. This marks the second OCX PoP within OPTAGE’s data center infrastructure, following the opening at the Shinsaibashi PoP in April 2024. The addition of “OC1,” a cutting-edge facility scheduled to begin operations on January 29, 2026, and located within 3 km radius of the Dojima and Umeda areas—Kansai’s largest communication traffic hubs—will enhance network redundancy and reliability across the Kansai region.

2. Launch of “OPTAGE Connection”

In March 2026, OCX will introduce “OPTAGE Connection” as a new OCX resource menu, interconnecting OCX with OPTAGE’s high-quality access lines: “Ethernet VPN” or “IP-VPN.” This service enables seamless connectivity from customer sites to cloud environments, simultaneously accelerating deployment speed and reducing operational burdens.

BBIX, BBSakura and OPTAGE will continue to build on their respective strengths to flexibly address diversifying network needs. By driving digital transformation in Japan starting from the Kansai region, the companies will drive Japan’s digital transformation and contribute to the development of a sustainable digital society.

Service Overview

・About “Open Connectivity eXchange (OCX)”

OCX is an on-demand network platform provided by BBIX and BBSakura that establishes private connectivity between cloud services and data centers. Users can easily modify settings with just a few clicks through a dedicated portal.

・About “OPTAGE Sonezaki Data Center (OC1)”

An urban data center in Kita-ku, Osaka, scheduled to begin operations on January 29, 2026. It serves as a prominent connectivity hub, offering high-level interconnectivity with both domestic and international providers.

・About “Ethernet VPN”

A protocol-free Layer 2 (L2) network provided by OPTAGE, powered by high-reliability switches. The company delivers transparent communication and peace of mind through a network protected by a 24/7 comprehensive monitoring and maintenance system, featuring a guaranteed uptime of 99.99% or higher*.

*Applicable to: bandwidth-guaranteed types in the Kansai area.

・About “IP-VPN”

A multifunctional Layer 3 (L3) network provided by OPTAGE, powered by a high-reliability backbone. As a managed VPN service with a guaranteed uptime of 99.99% or higher*, it reduces the burden on customers regarding network implementation and management.

*Applicable to: bandwidth-guaranteed types in the Kansai area.

About BBIX
Company Name: BBIX, Inc.
URL: https://www.bbix.net/en/
Headquarters: 1-7-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Hideyuki Sasaki, President & CEO
Date of establishment: June 13, 2003
Capital: 100 million yen
Ownership: 100% owned by SoftBank Corp.
Business: Telecommunications operator under Japan’s Telecommunications Business Act; leasing, maintenance & management of telecommunications equipment; development, sales, maintenance & management of computer hardware/software

About BBSakura
Company Name: BBSakura Networks, Inc.
URL: https://www.bbsakura.net/en/
Headquarters: 7-20-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Hiroyuki Kawabata, President & CEO
Date of establishment: August 1, 2019
Capital: 200 million yen
Ownership: BBIX, Inc. 51%, SAKURA internet Inc. 49%
Business: Telecommunications operator under Japan’s Telecommunications Business Act; leasing, maintenance & management of telecommunications equipment; development, sales, maintenance & management of computer hardware/software

About OPTAGE
Company Name: OPTAGE Inc.
URL：https://optage.co.jp/
Headquarters: 2-1-5 Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Representative: Masahiko Nabe, Representative Director and President
Date of establishment: April 2, 1988
Capital: 33 billion yen
Ownership: The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. 100%
Business: Telecommunications business; wired general broadcasting business; retail electricity business; security services; information systems; outsourcing of system development, operation, and maintenance for telecommunications and broadcasting.

Contact Point for Media Inquiries
BBIX, Inc. Public Relations
E-mail：pr@bbix.net

BBSakura Networks, Inc. Public Relations
Inquiry Form: https://www.bbsakura.net/en/contact/business

OPTAGE Inc. Public Relations
E-mail：press@optage.co.jp

● The company names and service names described in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies.

● The content, products, specifications, contact information and other information contained in this press release are as of the date of announcement. This information is subject to change without notice.