ZTE , a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, om Friday said that it would release a next generation high-speed 4G WiFi router in cooperation with Japanese operator SoftBank.

The router, called the SoftBank 102Z, was developed by ZTE and will be available in August. Its sleek design resembles an ultra slim mobile phone. It has a download speed of up to 76Mbps on SoftBank’s 4G AXGP high speed network and can support ten connecting terminal devices simultaneously, making it ideal for home networking. The router also has a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 2800mAh and seven hours of battery life.

“SoftBank is very selective when choosing collaborators,” said ZTE Japan Terminal Division Manager Wang Qi. “ZTE’s partnership with SoftBank on this router is indicative of our dedication to quality products and the worldwide development of 4G.”

The ZTE designed SoftBank 4G AXGP high-speed network is illustrative of ZTE’s innovation in 4G. Its expansion in Japan is due in part to its R&D and application capabilities. The company has launched several tailor made 4G terminal products in cooperation with SoftBank over the past two years, including the high-speed USB SoftBank 004Z data card in February 2011 and the SoftBank 006Z wireless router in June 2011. Among all vendors, the company also possesses 7 per cent of global patents in the area of 4G.

“2012 is the year when ZTE will achieve strategic 4G terminal roll out in several global markets,” said He Shiyou, Executive Vice President, and Head of the Terminal Handset Division, ZTE. “We also launch will launch several 4G terminal products such as smart phones, network cards and tablets in multiple markets.”