KDDI launches new 3G high-speed mobile service
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TOKYO, April 1, Kyodo - KDDI Corp. on Monday launched a new third-generation (3G) high-speed data transmission service for its ''au'' mobile phones to compete with a similar service offered by rival NTT DoCoMo Inc.
The new CDMA2000 1x service, to be available across Japan, moves data at 144 kilobits per second via the Internet, making it easy for users to send and receive video.
Japan's second-largest telecom operator is also launching five new handset models, one of which features a built-in miniature camera.
Until now, the au service handled data at 64 kps.
Industry leader NTT DoCoMo launched its FOMA 3G wireless service last October, while another operator, J-Phone Communications Co., a unit of Britain's Vodafone Group PLC, plans to launch a 3G service in June.
KDDI President Tadashi Onodera said the company aims to ship seven million handsets for the CDMA2000 1x by the end of March 2003.
CDMA2000 1x handsets are priced at the 20,000 yen level, about half of FOMA handsets.
Initially, the service will be available in 33 out of Japan's 47 prefectures and 477 municipalities throughout the country, KDDI officials said.
It will be available in 90% of all populated areas in Japan by the end of the year, they said.
CDMA2000 1x is already available in six other countries, including the United States and South Korea, under the management of 11 operators, KDDI said.
Another 29 operators plan to launch it in 12 more countries such as China, Australia and New Zealand. |
