re: DoCoMo 3G Launch Update
This is almost a month old ... but more comprehensive than I've seen before. The 384 kbps data rates across network (presume downlink) from day one is emphasised again. This is at odds with many statements out of Qualcomm.
If this is a repeat of anything previously posted here, my apologies, but quick search did not turn it up.
>> 99 Days and Counting
DoCoMo Enters Final Countdown For Pioneering 3G Launch
Americas Network
February 15, 2001
Tony Chan
americasnetwork.com
Now is the moment of truth. Having established itself as the world’s most successful cellular operator, Japan’s NTT DoCoMo is set to place its reputation on the line with the impending launch of the world’s first major third generation IMT-2000 cellular network.
DoCoMo plans to launch its W-CDMA network in Tokyo and Yokohoma in May. As the following interview with Senior DoCoMo Executive Kyoji Murakami reveals, the network is promising 384 kbps speeds from day one.
There is one date on the mind of Kyoji Murakami and his colleagues at the offices of Japan’s foremost mobile operator - May 2001.
Murakami, senior manager for DoCoMo network division’s IMT-2000 network office, is now part of the team driving a company-wide effort to roll out the world’s first 3G wireless service in less than 100 days time. He talks to 3G:america’s Tony Chan about the challenges of working with five suppliers to build a ground-breaking mobile multimedia network.
What are some of the challenges for NTT DoCoMo in rolling out the IMT-2000 network?
Kyoji Murakami: It depends. For operators like BT, they have one vendor for all the base stations. NTT DoCoMo has five suppliers for base stations. There are different aspects to this strategy, but one big issue is the continual operation and maintenance of the network. We have to make sure that our operators can easily and efficiently control equipment from all five vendors.
From the initial development stage, we asked the vendors to work together to make sure that all aspects of the products, such as the switches, contents, displays and so on, can work together and are similar. Having said that, we didn’t get 100% of what we wanted, so we still need to have a good training program for our staff.
From your experience so far, will NTT DoCoMo need to put in more base stations than the existing PDC network?
We are not increasing the number of base stations for IMT-2000. We have existing PDC base stations and plan to implement the new IMT-2000 system on top of that. From the beginning, we engineered our network to leverage the old infrastructure.
So you will be colocating the new system with the PDC network infrastructure?
Yes.
What are some of the things that NTT DoCoMo is worrying about now?
The biggest concern are those unknown areas, where we do not have previous experience. For voice services, we are very confident because we have a lot of experience and know-how. New applications such as mobile multimedia and data communications are rather new to us at the moment.
How would you compare an IMT-2000 network with your PDC network in terms of capacity?
It depends on various assumptions. With new applications such as mobile multimedia and data, we are not really sure. Putting that aside, with voice, we are pretty sure the voice capacity on an IMT-2000 network will be 1.5 times to two times more than the PDC network on the existing spectrum-band.
What is the initial data speed for IMT-2000?
We will provide 384 kbps as the best effort data rate. That data rate will be available everywhere, even during handoff between base stations.
How many networks will NTT DoCoMo end up with after the deployment of IMT-2000?
We now have two networks - the PDC voice network and the overlay packet network. These networks were built during different times, so they are two separate networks. For IMT-2000, we are building the voice network and the data network at the same time, so it will be a single integrated network supporting voice and data.
Is the network ready to go?
The network is not ready yet. We have committed to a commercial launch date in May 2000. At the time of launch, IMT-2000 services will be available in Tokyo only, for other areas of Japan, we have yet to procure or implement equipment.
How much is NTT DoCoMo spending on IMT-2000?
It is really hard to identify the cost that is only for IMT-2000, but I can tell you what we have committed to spend over the next few years. In our annual report, we said we will be spending one trillion yen [US$9.1 billion] between 2001 and 2003. That is the overall expenditure for the company, not just for IMT-2000.
What is the status report for the IMT-2000 roll out?
There is a lot left to do. For the new system, there are two parts to the network. For voice, there is the network, switches, nodes and new deployments that we need to make. For data, we also have gateways and applications services. So, the IMT-2000 network is not only a telecoms network, but also a computer network and they have to function together as a whole in an organic manner.
How many people does NTT DoCoMo have working on the IMT-2000 rollout?
It is very difficult to answer. In the research and development division, we have 800 to 900 official staff working. In the network operation and deployment side, we have about 1,500 to 2,000 staff, of which about 10% are working on the IMT-2000 deployment. That is not including our partners and contractors who we have hired to roll out the network. The immediate goal is to meet the May launch date. Everybody is working very hard to achieve this commitment.
Are you on schedule to meet the May launch date?
It depends on the vendors. Some vendors are on schedule and have delivered their equipment. There are also vendors who are getting a bit behind.
So, what happens if they don’t deliver the equipment on time?
We are putting high-priority on vendors who can supply us equipment. One of the benefits of using multiple vendors is that there is more than one supplier.
NTT DoCoMo has very close working relationships with Japanese suppliers; have there been any cultural and technical difficulties in integrating overseas suppliers into the IMT-2000 system?
Basically, they are working jointly under the development program. They are working with one set of specifications and the system should work. It is not easy or hard, the overseas suppliers are the world’s leading telecoms equipment suppliers, they are all our partners.
Will there be anything in NTT DoCoMo’s IMT-2000 system that will only be found in Japan?
There are different layers and levels to the ITU specifications for IMT-2000, but also specific layers of implementations that can be made by the user. NTT DoCoMo has chosen those works best for NTT DoCoMo.
Does NTT DoCoMo have an IPR in IMT-2000?
There are a few IPR by DoCoMo in IMT-2000. For basic areas, we are disclosing them so they can be used by everybody. For some areas, we are keeping them close so we own the IPR on them.
So, you have an IPR strategy?
Yes.
We should adopt a mission that is based on slow, steady growth to build up the number of customers.
Will you be paying Qualcomm for their IPR?
From what I understand, there is no decision made. There is talk, but nothing is decided.
Are you expecting IMT-2000 services to take off as soon as they are launched?
Being responsible for the promotion of IMT-2000, I hope to see service and applications grow rapidly. Realistically, when we are preparing next-generation services such as video, we cannot expect market demand to pick up so fast. Also, in terms of network deployment, given it is a new system, we should expect some unexpected problems. We should adopt a mission that is based on slow, steady growth to build up the number of customers.
Given the fact that systems like GPRS are always available before the handsets, are you confident that the handset manufacturers will be able to have IMT-2000 products ready to support the new system?
We have also been lining up handsets for the launch of the new system. However, we do not expect to have all the handsets, but at least some will be ready initially. This will expand over time.
Tony Chan is an associate editor with Wireless Asia. <<
- Eric - |
