Japanese technology conglomerate GMO Internet is about to launch a new cloud offering for mining BTC

GMO Internet Group has announced the expansion of its recently launched cryptocurrency business with a new cloud mining service, which will be launched in August 2018 if everything goes as planned. The Z.com Cloud Mining service will focus only on two cryptocurrencies based on the SHA256 algorithm, meaning bitcoin (BTC) and bitcoin cash (BCH).

Starting March 1, the company will start accepting priority applications from potential customers who wish to use the new service, and it has already been approached by interested parties. To present the new service to investors GMO Internet will hold information sessions about it in nine major cities across the world, including: Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Singapore, Zurich and Dubai.

The company also explains to green-conscience prospectors that “In terms of power supply, we operate a next-generation mining center utilizing plentiful renewable energy in the region, which has allowed us to secure clean and inexpensive power supply.”

Contractually wise, GMO Internet will rent out part of its mining farms equipped with its own next generation 7nm mining chips, as well as manage the facilities, all of which are operated through its European legal entity.

Rather than appeal to small players, the service seems to target bigger businesses who still find it difficult to invest in and manage mining equipment on their own. Customers will pay $5 million (or about 550 million JPY) per contract upfront for a 2 years contract, with no cancellation option and an extra charge to cover operational costs such as electricity, real estate, maintenance, security and more.

“With the cryptocurrency mining business, GMO Internet Group will aim to become No. 1 worldwide in the cryptocurrency service.”

The Tokyo-headquartered conglomerate, comprising more than 60 individual companies domiciled in 10 different countries, first announced its entry to the cryptocurrency mining industry during September of last year. In January, GMO Internet succeeded in developing a 12 nm semiconductor for mining, which was a significant milestone for the group. It is currently working on research and development of its 7nm chip technology.