TOKYO—KDDI, the second-largest operator in Japan, will launch its third-generation (3G) service based on cdma2000 on 1 April, the carrier announced.
In Japan, NTT DoCoMo launched FOMA 3G services in October 2001, and J-Phone, a Vodafone Group company, is planning to launch its 3G service on 30 June.
Unlike NTT DoCoMo and J-Phone, KDDI will employ cdma2000, an evolved system based on cdmaOne technology. KDDI has been providing cdmaOne services since July 1998.
Starting on 1 April, KDDI will launch the 3G service in major cities in the country and will achieve 90-percent population coverage by the end of 2002. KDDI said because cdma2000 is an evolved system based on the cdmaOne system, KDDI can launch the 3G service with a small initial investment and expand its service area quickly.
NTT DoCoMo is going to expand its FOMA service area to major cities around the country in April.
