TOKYO-Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo Inc. appears to be looking to expand its advanced handset portfolio by buying devices from the likes of Nokia Corp., Motorola Inc. and LG Electronics Co. Ltd.
The issue is notable because DoCoMo generally maintains strict guidelines for its handset suppliers and usually places its own brand far above that of its suppliers. DoCoMo’s existing handset suppliers include Panasonic, NEC Corp. and others.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, LG said it is in discussions with DoCoMo to supply the carrier with an undisclosed number of third-generation phones. Officials from Nokia and Motorola have previously discussed their intentions to sell phones through DoCoMo, according to reports. Representatives from DoCoMo and LG were not immediately available for comment.
DoCoMo has long been on the forefront of handset innovation, and its latest line-up of 3G devices includes such advanced technologies as fingerprint scanning and video calling. To maintain its leading edge, DoCoMo in some cases works with its handset suppliers to develop new handset technologies-a rarity in the worldwide wireless industry.
