Carriers
Carriers

Carriers

Vodafone Japan Goes Flat-Rate

Vodafone Japan has finally announced the launch of a flat-rate price plan. Vodafone’s new “Packet Free” tariff will allow unlimited use for 3,900 yen; there is also a “Packet Economy” level for 2,000 yen. Both plans allow free messaging (including attachments) between other subscribers and offer global roaming video calling from selected European regions (works on six of the seven new 3G handsets). Top that off with Macromedia Flash, some compelling pre-installed game content, and a new “Vodafone BB” data download service and it would seem Vodafone are finally getting their 3G underway.

Telstra Launches i-Mode

Born-in-Japan mobile Internet became reality for Telstra customers with the launch of i-mode, built on NEC’s mobile Internet platform and handsets. Telstra, in partnership with NEC, will provide the key that unlocks i-mode in Australia and change how Australians use their phones. NEC in conjunction with Telstra will deploy the service to offer “A chance for Australia’s leading carrier to gain a significant march on its competition and broaden the gap on mobile services delivery.”

DoCoMo to Acquire Singapore ISP

NTT DoCoMo, Inc. announced today that the company has agreed to make a 100% acquisition of inter-touch (BVI) Limited, a Singapore-based holding company of Internet providers who supply high-speed broadband connections and applications for business travelers at hotels across Asia-Pacific, Europe etc. The total purchase price will be US$70 million. inter-touch has capital in the amount of US$15.6 million. The company was established in 1998 and employs about 120 people.

Telco's Form Bridge Mobile Alliance

Seven leading Asia-Pacific mobile operators, including Ayala-owned Globe Telecom, are investing $30 to $40 million over three years to form the region’s largest joint venture mobile company, with a potential customer base of over 300 million. The regional mobile alliance, Bridge Mobile, will be the commercial vehicle in which the seven operators jointly invest to build and establish a regional mobile infrastructure and common service platform.

Second 3G operator in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings announced Tuesday it will roll out its 3G mobile phone network in December, making it the territory’s second provider of 3G services. “It is clear indication of our commitment … to deliver seamless, advanced and faster multimedia services,” SmarTone Chief Executive Douglas Li said at a news conference to announce the December launch of 3G services.

DoCoMo Adds SingTel Videophone

NTT DoCoMo announced that Japanese customers of its 3G FOMA-based WORLD CALL service will be able to exchange videophone calls with users of compatible 3G/W-CDMA services offered by Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) beginning 2 November 2004. SingTel is currently offering 3G services on a trial basis, so DoCoMo customers initially will be able to place videophone calls to SingTel users participating in the trial.