NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Motorola Inc. and Motorola Japan Ltd. announced today that they have signed an agreement to jointly develop a FOMA handset targeting business users by taking advantage of high-speed 3G FOMA technologies. Commercialization is scheduled for spring 2005. The new handset, which is compatible with GSM/GPRS technologies, will be the first FOMA model that may be used outside of Japan. Unlike i-mode®-capable phones, the handset will enable access to the internet through mopera® or any other available internet connection service. What’s more, its browser will be able to display standard web pages. Full Press Release Here.

In addition, the new handset will be compatible with public wireless LAN services offered by DoCoMo and other providers, enabling users in hotspots to enjoy high-speed internet access at fixed rates.

The handset can also be used to view e-mail attachments created in formats such as Microsoft® Word, Microsoft® Excel, PowerPoint®. The model will support Bluetooth® connectivity for remote control via a laptop or PDA for dialup to the internet, or for convenient hands-free operation using a headset. In addition, the phone will be compatible with PIM (Personal Information Management).

“NTT DoCoMo is delighted to team with Motorola to develop an advanced FOMA handset that meets the special needs of business users, which differ from those of general users,” said NTT DoCoMo’s Executive Vice President Kei-ichi Enoki.

“In particular, the phone can connect to public high-speed wireless LAN networks to browse the internet and receive e-mail. It also opens a variety of attached documents in their original formats and even works on mobile networks outside Japan. We believe that the new market aimed at business people will join the existing i-mode market in seeing a future expansion,” he added.

“Motorola is proud to bring our 3G expertise to this partnership with NTT DoCoMo. This device perfectly embodies our mission to enable users to have a personal hub of communications in the palm of their hand,” said Patrick S. Kung, Corporate Vice President, Motorola Inc., General Manager, PCS North Asia.

“This FOMA handset will help business users to multi-task and be more efficient, especially when traveling outside Japan, because they can use the phone and all its features anywhere in the world while staying connected to Japan,” he said.

About NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo is the world’s leading mobile communications company, serving more than 48 million customers. The company offers a wide variety of leading-edge mobile multimedia services, including i-mode®, which provides e-mail and internet access to over 42 million subscribers as the world’s most popular mobile internet service, and FOMA®, 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 America, the company is expanding its global reach through strategic alliances with mobile and multimedia service providers in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. NTT DoCoMo is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM), and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.nttdocomo.com.

i-mode, FOMA are trademarks or registered trademarks of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japan and other countries.
mopera is a registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japan.
NTT DoCoMo’s FOMA service is only available to subscribers in Japan.
Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel are product names of Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft and PowerPoint are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporationin the U.S.A. and other countries.
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.

About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a global leader in wireless, broadband and automotive communications technologies that help make life smarter, safer, simpler, synchronized and fun. Sales in 2003 were US$27.1 billion. Motorola creates innovative technological solutions that benefit people at home, at work and on the move. The company also is a progressive corporate citizen dedicated to operating ethically, protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which it does business. For more information, please visit www.motorola.com.

Related posts:

1. Motorola Launches M1000 3G SmartPhone Developed Jointly with NTT DoCoMo
2. NTT DoCoMo Unveils New 3G FOMA Videophones
3. NTT DoCoMo to Launch Client Authentication Service via FOMA Network
4. NTT DoCoMo to Offer Video Streaming Service for FOMA Phones
5. DoCoMo Unveils Motorola Tri-Band 3G Smartphone

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!