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DoCoMo pushes for wider mobile Internet uses

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Third-generation (3G) wireless proponent NTT DoCoMo is pushing for a broad international co-operation that aims to extend mobile Internet applications to as many facets of human activity as possible.

This strategy is led by the Japanese network operator's recently formed Ubiquitous Business Department, headed by senior vice-president Tamon Mitsuishi.

Outside of Japan, NTT DoCoMo is expected to tap applications development in markets where it plans to establish or has existing partnerships with cellular service providers. Current partners include Hutchison Telecom, KG Telecom of Taiwan, KPN Mobile in the Netherlands, Germany's E-Plus, Bouygues Telecom of France, Belgium's Base, and Telefonica Moviles in Spain.

'We have an open door, since we are keen on having as many partners as we can to develop new consumer and business applications,' says Mr Mitsuishi.

'Ubiquity, for us, means enabling consumers to have a richer lifestyle and increasing opportunities for doing business through the mobile Internet.'

This policy follows the way NTT DoCoMo has been able to widen the use of Internet-linked mobile-phones in Japan through its pioneering i-mode service. Since its launch in February 1999, i-mode has amassed more than 35 million subscribers, or about a quarter of Japan's total population. NTT DoCoMo has more than 44 million total subscribers to date.

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