NTT DoCoMo to Release Preconditions for Indirect Access
NTT DoCoMo and its eight regional subsidiaries announced today that they will release preconditions for indirect access connection to the DoCoMo network to inter-exchange operators who wish to link to the DoCoMo network. Information, including a consultation schedule, will be posted on the company’s Japanese language website from July 15, 2003. On June 17, 2003, a Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (“MPHPT”) study group established to study the setting of charges announced the results of its investigation regarding the setting of charges for both relay connections and calls made from IP phones to cell phones. This was followed by a policy issued by the MPHPT on June 25, 2003, entitled “The policy concerning the setting of charges for calls to cell phones from fixed line phones”.
In response, DoCoMo has decided to release preconditions for indirect access connection to the DoCoMo network in order to allow inter-exchange operators to establish such connections to the DoCoMo network as early as possible.
Inter-exchange operators wishing to link to the DoCoMo network based on these preconditions may apply for a preliminary evaluation and other necessary procedures. DoCoMo will also coordinate with IP phone operators regarding IP phone connections based on DoCoMo’s Articles of Agreement Concerning Interconnection.
Preconditions for Indirect Access Connection to the DoCoMo Network
1. Calls subject to DoCoMo’s proposed conditions
Indirect access calls made from fixed line phones to cell phones.
Note: Specifically, the proposal concerns calls originating from NTT East Corporation and NTT West Corporation telecommunications facilities that are relayed by inter-exchange operator telecommunications facilities to DoCoMo group telecommunications facilities.Callers can select preferred inter-exchange operators by dialing an operator identification number “00XY.”
2. Tariffs for indirect access connection (applicable for the DoCoMo network)
Voice communications: 10 yen / 36 seconds (regardless of time or area).
64 Kbps digital data communications: 10 yen / 20 seconds (regardless of time or area).
Note: The proposed tariffs have been decided taking into consideration the policy issued by the MPHPT. The proposed tariffs are applicable during fiscal 2004.
3. Connection launch date (tentative)
Approximately the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2004, to early in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005.
Note 1: DoCoMo will make every effort to meet the schedule mentioned above if, by a certain date, an agreement is reached between DoCoMo and the inter-exchange operator based on the preconditions, and all necessary procedures are taken within the proposed schedule.
Note 2: The actual launch date will be determined after DoCoMo receives applications from all related parties because of the need to evaluate the impact indirect access connections will have on its facilities.