DoCoMo announced today that subscribers to their i-channel news service surpassed 15 million on January 3, 2008. The achievement came nine months after surpassing 10 million subscribers and two years and three months after the service’s launch (WWJ video). The monthly cost of the service is 150 yen and there is no extra charge for headlines sent to the subscriber phone’s standby screen, but packet charges apply when detailed content is viewed.

DoCoMo’s i-channel is a push service that automatically sends scrolling-text headlines to a phone’s standby screen. The headlines come from the i-channel site, which is arranged into five information channels: weather, news, sports & entertainment, horoscopes and recommended i-mode sites. By simply pushing the i-channel button on a compatible phone, the user can view detailed information about each headline.

NEC also announced today they will enable an i-channel style service for WIND in Italy.. details Here.

Related posts:

1. DoCoMo’s i-channel Hits 10mln Subs
2. 3G Fashion Show Launches i-Channel
3. DoCoMo i-Channel Launches in Europe
4. DoCoMo Introduces New 3G Handsets and i-Channel Service
5. DoCoMo Subscribers Top 50 Million

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!