Softbank got green light from Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for its plan to deploy base stations operating in its 900MHz band, according to a March 7, 2012 report by Japan Today. Communications services using the new-licensed 900MHz band, dubbed Platinum Band, are slated for release on July 25, 2012. As per the base station plan, approximately 16,000 base stations will be installed in fiscal year 2012 and be expanded up to 41,000 in 2016, aiming to provide 99% population coverage.