DoCoMo 3G videophones set for delayed debut

TOKYO: Japan's largest wireless carrier, NTT DoCoMo Inc, said on Thursday
that video-enabled phones, a key product for third-generation (3G) mobile
networks, would become available only in the next week after a one-month delay.

The delay was one of numerous technical glitches that have plagued 3G
services, including software problems that forced DoCoMo to settle for a trial
service instead of a full commercial offering when its network was launched in
late May.

DoCoMo's commercial launch is now scheduled for October 1. The videophones,
made by Matsushita Communication Industrial Co Ltd (MCI), would be distributed
to 700 individuals and 500 corporate subscribers between June 25 and 30, DoCoMo
said. DoCoMo launched trial 3G services in Tokyo on May 30, distributing 1,400
handsets made by NEC Corp and 1,900 MCI data transmission cards for laptop
computers.

DoCoMo said last week it would replace the 1,400 NEC handsets at an
undisclosed date for an upgrade, and users have reported various glitches with
the devices. The claims include a battery that ran out within a day, handsets
that went out of range within the service area, dropped calls and an occasional
freeze, in which the phone stops functioning and has to be turned off then on
again.

Although 3G generated high expectations with its promise of ultra-high speed
data transmission, enabling such advanced functions as videoconferencing and
thief-proof online banking, the complexity of the system has resulted in delays
in Japan and Britain.

(C) Reuters Limited 2001.