TOKYO-NTT DoCoMo Inc. and Japan Airlines announced a partnership that will see the companies test applications operating on DoCoMo’s third-generation system and a wireless local area network for Japan Airlines’ ground staff at Narita Airport. The trial will run from June 2 to Nov. 30.
The test involves 20 personal digital assistants and five PCs equipped with FOMA data cards for simultaneous voice and data transmissions. The devices will allow the staff to check flight information visually and talk simultaneously and provide an opportunity to evaluate any operational efficiencies.
Flight information and other data will be sent via 384 kilobits per second packet transmissions via the FOMA network, while the voice will be handled via a WLAN operated by the airport.
Japan Airlines’ ground staff currently uses wireless devices only for voice communications.
DoCoMo said the trial is part of its ongoing strategy to develop new corporate applications for its FOMA service, which has met with much slower uptake than the operator initially expected.
