NTT DoCoMo to Launch Client Authentication Service via FOMA Network

NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and its eight regional subsidiaries announced today that they will introduce the FirstPass(TM) SSL client authentication service via the 3G network in conjunction with the launch of new F2102V and N2102V FOMA handsets.

SSL client authentication is currently the most popular authentication technology for the internet. The new service will provide enterprises and individuals with extra-high security when using DoCoMo FOMA phones for mobile internet transactions, such as on-line shopping, trading, or accessing corporate intranets. The new service is expected to be well received by enterprises and individuals alike, given the rapid increase in the use of cellular phones for mobile internet services.

DoCoMo will provide each FirstPass user with a digital certificate based on the PKI (public key infrastructure) standard. The certificate, which is stored along with other subscriber information in the handset’s removable FOMA UIM Card, identifies the individual user, thus providing a simpler yet more secure format than a conventional ID and password. With FirstPass, both users and enterprises are assured of the reduced risk of spoofing (impersonation).

The service will initially be available for DoCoMo’s upcoming F2102V and N2102V FOMA handsets. There is no additional monthly charge to use the service. Application can be made online with the handset.

Enterprises wishing to use FirstPass must apply via the MM Service Center or DoCoMo’s Corporate Marketing Department. A one-time application fee for 3,000 yen will be required. Initially, 20 companies are planning to adopt FirstPass service in their solutions or products.

In line with official requirements, DoCoMo today notified the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications of the new service.

About NTT DoCoMo

NTT DoCoMo is the world's leading mobile communications company with more than 44 million customers. The company provides a wide variety of leading-edge mobile multimedia services. These include i-mode(R), the world's most popular mobile internet service, which provides e-mail and Internet access to over 35 million subscribers, and FOMA(R), launched in 2001 as the world's first 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA. In addition to wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe and North and South America, the company is expanding its global reach through strategic alliances with mobile and multimedia service providers in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North and South America. NTT DoCoMo is listed on the Tokyo (TSE: 9437), London (NDCM), and New York (DCM) stock exchanges.For further information, please visit the NTT DoCoMo home page at: www.nttdocomo.com/

ContactNTT DoCoMoInternational PR, Public Relations Departmentpress_dcm@nttdocomo.com+81 3 5156 1366 June. 20, 2003, 18:56 (JST)
Source: NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo (TSE: 9437) (NYSE: DCM) (FTSE: NDCM)
www.nttdocomo.com/