News
Issue #2001 - 26 (June 2001)
(Updated June 27,  2001)

TECHNOLOGY

NTT DoCoMo to Deliver Video-Equipped Handsets for 3G Trials

June 25-30, 2001. - NTT DoCoMo, Inc. announced today that it will distribute a "visual" mobile phone to 1,200 monitors for introductory phase of "FOMA" third-generation (3G) wireless communication service based on W-CDMA technology.

The model required a debugging of its embedded software, prompting DoCoMo to announce on May 25 that distribution of the new visual phone would be completed by the end of June at the latest.

The 1,200 monitors will be notified of the distribution from today and instructed to pick up their visual handsets at NTT DoCoMo service stations in Toranomon, Marunouchi, Shinjuku, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shibuya and Kanagawa. A total of 700 units will be distributed to private users and the remaining 500 will go to corporate users.

NTT DoCoMo launched its introductory "FOMA" service on May 30, 2001. The company has already distributed 1,400 standard phones, which are an upgraded version of the current i-mode mobile phone, to volunteer monitors. The standard handset features sound quality similar to that provided by a fixed-line phone. DoCoMo has also distributed another 1,200 "data-card" phones for dedicated mobile high-speed data transmission.

The Matsushita P2101V handset will be delivered to 700 individuals and 500 firms 

For more information: http://www.nttdocomo.com/new/contents/01/whatnew0621.html

Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: After almost forty years of its first trial, a true video telephone may happen. The wireless world will be watching anxiously.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.