News
Issue #2003 - 13 (April 2003)
(Updated Apr. 16, 2003)

INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

3G News This Week

1) Visa Wireless Trial for NTT DoCoMo
Visa International, Nippon Shinpan, OMC Card and AEON Credit today announced the start of a pilot program, together with NTT DoCoMo, Inc., to test a service for making credit card payments at traditional "bricks and mortar" merchants via DoCoMo 504i and 504iS series mobile phones, which are equipped with infrared transmission (IrDA) ports.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/April2003/5191.htm

2. UK's 3 May Get DoCoMo Cash Infusion
Trade press in Japan today ran a story that DoCoMo will give 3, U.K.'s only operational 3G carrier, a loan of up to £200 million. 3's ownership is split three ways between DoCoMo, Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa, and Dutch phone firm KPN. The carrier is trying to extend a £2.2 billion loan that comes due in March 2004. 

3.) 3G Rollout Unclear In Sweden
All four of the 3G license holders in Sweden have applied for a 2 or 3 year delay to the full rollout of 3G in Sweden. This is based on problems getting approval for the siting of telecom masts and the scarcity of the handsets.
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/April2003/5187.htm

4.) KDDI 3G Hits 7 Million Users
KDDI and its sister company Okinawa Cellular has hit 7 million 3G mobile phone subscribers this month. 
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/April2003/5210.htm

5. Nokia cuts 1,800 jobs
Nokia Corp., the world's largest cell-phone maker, said Thursday it will cut 1,800 jobs in response to weak sales of handsets. Nokia also reported weak revenue and income figures for the current quarter.
http://www.ottawabusinessjournal.com/305223762040208.php

6) Samsung to launch CDMA2000 1x 3G chips in mid-month
Mobile phone service provider Korea Telecom Freetel (KTF) will begin selling Samsung-branded 3G handsets using Samsung’s newly-developed CDMA2000 1x 3G chips in the middle of this month
http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/Article.asp?datePublish=2003/04/10&pages=07&seq=37

Source: http://www.3G.Co.uk
For more information: http://www.3G.Co.uk

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: 3G network deployment continues to be stagnant. Only bright spot is in Japan and Korea, with KDDI reporting 7 million subscribers. There are a number of reasons for this - saturation of demand in the developed world, lack of 3G handsets, higher prices without corresponding value perceived by users (on consumer voice side), only gradual uptake of new applications (picture messaging and wireless games), less than advertised speed (on wireless data side) and difficult overall economic climate.

 Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. 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.