NTT Docomo has appointed Alcatel-Lucent to build a new IP network to support its LTE roll out, the two firms have announced.

The Japanese operator will use the France-based vendor's 7750 service routers to help with the "exploding" growth of high-speed mobile internet services such as movie streaming, video calling and gaming, among consumers and businesses in the country.

Specifically, A-L said the routers' integrated LTE security gateway with IPSec (IP security) technology would assist in boosting speed and capacity.

“Demand for mobile broadband services in Japan is growing exponentially, posing a serious challenge to operators," said Martin Jordy, A-L's Japan president and managing director.

A-L said it worked with Fujitsu to deliver the solution.

NTT Docomo has over 59 million customers in Japan.