TOKYO, JAPAN - DEVELOPERS planning the world's tallest self-supporting communications tower, which will dominate the skyline of the Japanese capital, on Tuesday named it the 'Tokyo Sky Tree.'

Construction is set to begin next month in the city's less developed eastern side on the 610-metre tower, slated to be completed in 2011 when Japanese broadcasters switch entirely to digital communications.

'We have an image of the new tower attracting people from around the world to create new culture and a town friendly to the environment,' said Kinya Miyazuki, head of the company managing the project.

'The name of the new tower was officially decided to be Tokyo Sky Tree,' he told a news conference. A nationwide poll was held to choose the name.

The Tokyo Sky Tree will overshadow landmarks in the capital's upscale western parts, including the 333-metre Tokyo Tower, which has served as a symbol of Japan's post-war miracle since 1958.

It will host two observation decks - at 350 metres and 450 metres above ground - restaurants and office space at a former freight shunting yard along the Sumida river.

'The name gives an impression of a new town striving towards the sky while adapting to the natural environment,' said Sumida ward's mayor, Noboru Yamazaki, one of the members of the name selection committee.

The Tokyo Sky Tree will top the 553-metre CN Tower in downtown Toronto.

KTHI-TV Tower in North Dakota stands at 629 metres but is supported by cables.

The world's tallest structure is the Burj Dubai, which is expected to reach 900 metres when completed early next year in the Gulf emirate. -- AFP