DDI Pocket to launch 128 kbps packet service

TOKYO—DDI Pocket, a PHS business unit of KDDI Group and the largest PHS carrier in Japan, will launch a 128 kilobits per second (kbps) packet communications service on 26 March.

Since last August, DDI has been providing a 32 kbps service with a monthly fixed rate of 5,800 yen (US$44). The 128 kbps service will be an optional service for the carrier’s fixed-rate service. Starting on 26 March, DDI Pocket users can receive 128 kbps service with a monthly fixed rate of 9,300 yen (US$70.50).

DDI Pocket’s epoch-making fixed-rate mobile service is winning popularity. As of the end of February, DDI Pocket had 270,000 fixed rate program subscribers. DDI Pocket is expecting its new 128 kbps service might attract more data users.