TOKYO—NTT DoCoMo said it will begin selling handsets compatible with its planned third-generation (3G) FOMA network beginning 1 October at 260 stores in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the day the network is scheduled to launch.
The three handsets include the FOMA N2001, a “standard-type” handset, the P2101V, a “visual-type” handset with camera functions and a color screen, and the FOMA 2401, an all-in-one type data-card handset. DoCoMo said the handsets will be able to send packet communications at a maximum of 384 kilobits per second (kbps) down to the handset and 64 kbps from the handset.
All three handsets will sell at an open price. However it is expected that the standard-type phone manufactured by NEC will sell at 35,000 yen (US$394) to 40,000 yen (US$336) per unit, the visual phone manufactured by Matsushita Communication Industrial will cost 55,000 yen (US$462) to 60,000 yen (US$504) per unit, and the card type also manufactured by Matsushita will sell at 20,000 yen (US$168) per unit.
DoCoMo will initially ship 20,000 units of the standard-type handsets and several thousand units each of the visual phone and card type terminal. DoCoMo is targeting to sell 150,000 units of 3G handsets by March 2002.<
