DoCoMo to make all models global standard - paper

TOKYO  - NTT DoCoMo Inc., Japan's largest mobile phone operator, plans

to make all its models compatible with global standards so they can be used in

more than 130 countries, a leading Japanese newspaper said on Sunday.

The move will have all of DoCoMo's models compatible with the Global System

for Mobile Communications format (GSM) in two years, making it the first

Japanese mobile company to do so, company sources were quoted as saying by the

Yomiuri Shimbun.

At present, only a limited number of Japanese mobile phone models are usable

overseas.

Under the new system, DoCoMo mobile phone users would also be able to use its

i-mode internet services in over 70 countries, the Yomiuri said.

DoCoMo officials were not available for comment.

The report comes at a time when Japan's $78 billion mobile phone market

prepares for a possible increase in competition. Government rule this autumn

will make it easier for customers to switch services by letting them keep their

existing phone numbers.

The industry also faces a challenge from Softbank Corp, which recently bought

Vodafone Group Plc's Japan operations, allowing the aggressive high-speed

Internet provider to offer a combination of fixed-line, broadband and mobile

services.