DoCoMo all over the news last night:
Thursday, March 30 8:52 AM SGT
NTT DoCoMo To Join Japanese Internet-Only Bank
TOKYO, JAPAN, 2000 MAR 29 (NB) -- By Adam Creed, Newsbytes.
Japan's largest cellular operator NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc (NTT DoCoMo) said it will take a 5 percent stake in an Internet-based bank that is currently under development by a consortium of Japanese finance, insurance and technology companies.
NTT DoCoMo's interest in the Japan Net Bank has been prompted by the potential for a partnership in banking and financial information services provided to its mobile phone customers. Customers of an online bank are more likely to be early adopters of wireless banking services.
The mobile carrier already has a popular mobile Internet service in operation that could provide Japan Net Bank services - i-Mode. The i-Mode service allows mobile users to access various text and interactive services via their cellular handsets. It was launched 13 months ago and has caught the attention of Japanese consumers - the company has signed up over 5 million subscribers.
The Internet-based online bank is being established by a group of companies led by The Sakura Bank Ltd, The Sumitomo Bank Ltd, Fujitsu, Nippon Life Insurance, Tokyo Electric Power and Mitsui & Co.
NTT DoCoMo will invest 1 billion yen (US$9.47 million) for its 5 percent stake. |
