Shared networks and neutral host models have been slow to take hold in the RAN, but may become essential to affordable 5G roll-out. As noted in that article, Japan and China are experimenting with some advanced approaches to co-investment in 5G, and the power companies are particularly active. Japanese utilities have already signed deals to let new mobile entrant Rakuten use their infrastructure to accelerate its 4G, and future 5G, deployment. Now one of the power companies, TEPCO of Tokyo, is partnering with Rakuten, and also with two of the three established MNOs – KDDI and Softbank – on a shared small cell project. The deployment is taking advantage of the common practice, in Japanese cities, of having power lines…