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News
Issue #2002 - 22
(June 2002)
(Updated June
12, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
DoCoMo Testing Mobile
Videoconferencing Platform
Japan’s NTT DoCoMo said it
has begun field trials for its latest mobile communications platform
that enables numerous individuals to participate simultaneously in
mobile videoconferencing. Trials began on May 31 and will run
through to September 30, involving the participation of over 35
companies.
Touting the new platform as the industry’s first for mobile
phone video teleconferencing, DoCoMo says it is compatible with 3G
mobile phones operating on its FOMA service and equipped for 3G-324M
protocol, the IMT-2000 standard for audio-video mobile
communications.
The platform will be tested in a variety of settings, from
business meetings to university lecture halls. Each participant will
use a FOMA videophone to partake in live broadcasts of various
events being held at different locations. When a videoconference
involves four people or less, the phone screen splits into four
windows to show each person simultaneously.
DoCoMo said it is leading a consortium that will evaluate the
platform’s performance and marketability. In addition, a series of
studies will be conducted to develop service applications for
commercial use.
For more information: http://www.nttdocomo.com
MobileInfo.com’s Comments & Advisory: This
is an interesting and advanced test of mobile video-conferencing. There is a
lot of potential but will the price on 3G networks for video-conferencing be
affordable? What about the speed and capacity of networks in a steady-state
operation? Only in a few exceptional applications e.g. for newspaper
reporting and pleasure of more affluent part of our population.
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.
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