NEC close to roll out of dual-mode 3G phones
By Krishna Guha in Tokyo
Published: November 25 2001 20:10 | Last Updated: November 25 2001 21:12
NEC, Japan's biggest cell phone maker, expects to start supplying the world's first dual-mode third-generation mobile phones to European operators early next year.
Hajime Sasaki, NEC's chairman, said in an interview that the dual-mode phone - which can be used to make calls on existing infrastructure as well as new high-speed third-generation (3G) networks - is undergoing trials.
"We will ship to the Hutchison group from early next year," Mr Sasaki said. "I think we will be the first."
Dual-mode phones are critical to the success of 3G because they allow users to make calls in areas where there is no 3G infrastructure.
European operators have decided not to launch 3G services until such phones are available. NTT DoCoMo launched the world's first 3G service in Japan last month, but the single-mode 3G-only phones it uses do not work outside Tokyo.
The dual-mode phone is the product of an alliance between NEC and Matsushita to pool 3G research and development costs. The companies say this has enabled them to capitalise on their component skills.
"We share product development," Mr Sasaki said. "There will be several different versions of 3G terminal - for instance, one with a television camera [and] one with a web browser. It would be very difficult for NEC to develop all types of terminal on its own."
He said the partners come close to matching Nokia's research budget. "Nokia would still be the top player, but by working together we can compete with them."
Analysts said NEC still has work to do. "There are a lot of problems, even in Japan," said an analyst in Tokyo. "The phones are too bulky, and the battery only lasts for 20 minutes of streaming video." |
