Ben,
Most appreciative of your links especially clarification of PHS frequency at 1900 Mhz (actually QCM slides show it more specifically as 1893.5 MHz to 1919.6 MHz sitting right below and adjacent to the IMT-2000 3G spectrum).
So much for capacity constraints for DoCoMo <g>, and no wonder they continue to move PHS along despite the fact their primary focus is WCDMA.
<< First, "Pocket" is KDDI's PHS product - not CDMA >>
??? (yes, so, maybe, <g>)
I am honestly not sure what you are referring to by that statement. Ya lost me. Perhaps I was not paying attention.
If it is the transmission speed cap, I think that 128 kbps cap applies to all technologies in all 3 current spectrum assiggnments. I "think" (is not a definitive statement of fact). I'd be glad to be "thinking" incorrectly on this re KDDI and 1xMC.
This type of regulatory restriction exists throughout Europe as well for existing spectrum. Its a practical consideration and not the Evil Empire at work.
KDDI also has PHS 'H"LINK' and DoCoMo PHS 'PALDIO'
In the link that Slacker provided there is a PHS Internet Services Provider (with no subs plugged in) called ASTEL Group with the asterisked explanation "Data of NTT DoCoMo Group and ASTEL Group, including the number of users, is not publicized due to intentions of those carriers."
Interesting statement. Don't have much background on ASTEL.
Note: As of 4/99 DDI had a 60% share of the PHS market, DoCoMo 23%, and privately-held Astel group had the remaining 17%, of Japan's (then) 5.8 million PHS users. A year later PHS subscribers totaled 5.85 M. I don't have a current number.
Not sure how or if, DoCoMo brands there PHS offer other than perhaps 'i-mode', but 'i-mode' is already, or will soon, be rolled in, using multi-mode, multi band, PDC/PHS 'Docimo' at 64kbps.
128 kbps waiting in the wings (actually capable of being delivered, and 384kbps is beyond prototype so the story goes.
Part of that statement is backed up by a clip from one of the links you provide:
"First, PHS services introduced 64kbps connectivity last year and expect to deliver 128kbps shortly. Commentators reckon 256kbps is being developed and there is a possible technology migration to 384kbps".
... and here's another one, not quite as current:
"Japanese mobile operator NTT DoCoMo has announced plans to add i-mode capabilities to its combined cellular and PHS phone, Bloomberg News reported on Monday. The new handset, to be called Super Doccimo, will be based on the company's existing Doccimo phone, introduced in April 1999. The Doccimo combines cellular and PHS (personal handyphone system) capabilities, allowing users to switch between the two. The Super Doccimo, which will go on sale later this month, adds the popular i-mode Internet access service. Handsets will be provided by Sharp."
I sure will be glad when 3G3 starts rolling out.
- Eric -
PS: More on DDI PHS (looks dated) here:
ddi.co.jp |
