DoCoMo and Vodafone have been assessed by ABI Research as occupying the “sweet spot” of “Market Innovation and Market Implementation,” in their latest Mobile Operator Performance Matrix, with high ratings on a range of indicators: CAPEX spend per user; non-voice revenue contribution; number and utility of applications and service deployments; EBITDA; share of the global subscriber market; and EBITDA margin.

“Both of these companies have demonstrated remarkable cycles of product and service innovation that continue to underpin their market reach or implementation,” said Jake Saunders, Asia-Pacific Research Director. “Not only are these two companies gearing up to exploit consumer market applications such as mobile TV, music downloads and navigational services, but also m-payment (e.g., m-Pesa for Vodafone and FeliCa for NTT DoCoMo) and enterprise applications (e.g., Vodafone’s and NTT DoCoMo’s RIM BlackBerry enterprises email server service and NTT DoCoMo’s “DOKODESUKA bus” public bus tracking solution).”

Interesting in that DoCoMo’s Blackberry email service still does not allow for Kanji character input?

Related posts:

1. DoCoMo Sets BlackBerry Launch Date
2. Sharp Tops Japan Mobile
3. DoCoMo FOMA Tops 2 Million, Calls H.K.
4. DoCoMo Announces BlackBerry for Japan
5. DoCoMo Brings Blackberry to Japan. Who Cares?

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!