In an attempt to further spur handset development for its next-generation FOMA network, Japanese wireless operator NTT DoCoMo Inc. said it will invest approximately $350 million during the next several years in handset manufacturers. The manufacturers include Fujitsu Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Motorola Japan Ltd., NEC Corp., Panasonic Mobile Communications Co. Ltd., and Sharp Corp.
The carrier, which unveiled a number of new FOMA handsets earlier this week, noted it hoped the investments would accelerate the “evolution of state-of-the-art 3G technologies in the areas of handset application software running on advanced OS platforms and [high-speed downlink packet access] technology.”
Under terms of the investment, DoCoMo will share ownership rights with the manufacturer for any new handset technology that the carrier said would smooth the way for more efficient research and development in the future.
“Advanced handset capabilities are crucial to further enhancing the value of these services for the user,” said DoCoMo in a statement. “By investing in development, DoCoMo aims to motivate manufacturers to produce increasingly innovative handsets.”
DoCoMo recently reported 1.7 million subscribers to its FOMA service, which analysts said was below expectations due to current handset deficiencies, including short battery life, larger form factors than other phones and high pricing. The carrier’s FOMA network has also provided less coverage than the carrier’s legacy PDC network.
