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i-mode Launches in Russia

NTT DoCoMo just announced that Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (MTS), NTT DoCoMo’s partner in Russia, began offering i-mode services in the Moscow and St. Petersburg areas as of today. Services will eventually be expanded to other business areas of MTS. Russia’s i-mode is being offered via MTS’s GPRS network and represents the twelfth global market for i-mode, following Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Australia and Israel (in order of introduction). MTS is Russia’s leading mobile operator both in terms of subscribers and profitability, according to the DoCoMo press release.

Integration Associates and Oki Electric Enable ZigBee One-Stop Solution

Integration Associates and Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. today announced a one-stop Solution for ZigBee, considered the next generation low data rate wireless network technology. This one-stop solution consists of Oki’s LSI, the ML7065, and the ZigBee Stack by Integration. The solution has received its ZigBee Compliant certificate from the ZigBee Alliance, and will be available globally in December 2005 from Oki and Integration. Oki provides and supports the CompXs ZigBee Stack in Asia, including Japan, while Integration provides and supports the ZigBee Stack in N. America and Europe.

Yozan, Livedoor Announce Wi-LAN Deal

Yozan and livedoor announced yesterday that they have signed a basic agreement on the provision of livedoor Wireless, a wireless LAN servicve. Under the terms of the agreement, Yozan will deploy and provide maintenance support for a wireless network. Although the partners have yet to decide on the number of base stations and where to install them, Yozan will initially set up 4,000 base stations and gradually deploy them at more locations. The partners have also yet to decide a service launch date.

Japan Broadband Wireless Network JV

GlobeTel Communications Corp. announced that its subsidiary, Sanswire Networks LLC, has signed a Letter of Intent with Kashiwabara Token Corporation of Iwakuni City, Japan, to enter a joint venture in the establishment of a terrestrial ground-based wireless broadband and communications system, a prelude to the deployment of the Sanswire Stratellite Airship broadband network in Japan. Kashiwabara Token Corporation holds a controlling interest of a major cell phone system in the Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures as well as the ICAN Cable television system in Japan.

New 3G Phones from Vodafone Japan

New 3G Phone from Vodafone JapanJapan’s lost souls and the musically minded are targets for two new W-CDMA 3G handsets from Vodafone Japan, the 903T and 803T, both by Toshiba. Scheduled for an October release, the 903T finally puts Vodafone on the real-time mobile GPS navigation map (rivals DoCoMo and KDDI have had network GPS phones for some time). Vodafone’s “Live Navi” navigation portal goes the competition one better with the addition of GPS global roaming options in the UK, Hong Kong, Holland, Spain and Germany — with more countries to follow. Of course, international roaming and Vodafone live! communication charges will apply, which might make it cheaper just to buy a guidebook.

Here in Japan, the navi service will map out routes according to specialized needs — like fewer stairs or covered access for when those typhoons hit. Vodafone’s main partner in mapping is well-known navigation data supplier Zenrin, which handles most of the live walk-through navigation and panorama shots via a split screen to show users just what they should be seeing on their route. Other partners specialize in train and subway routing, area-based restaurant maps or shopping information, as well as an international travel info site.

Cellcom to Launch i-mode in Israel

DoCoMo has just announced that Cellcom Israel, Ltd. will start marketing DoCoMo’s i-mode service in the Israeli market as of today. The service, which will be offered over Cellcom’s GPRS network, is the eleventh market for i-mode, following Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Australia. DoCoMo sees great potential for i-mode growth in Israel, with its national population of approximately 7 million people.