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DoCoMo developing GSM FOMA handset

A comment on the slow rate at which 3G is taking hold around the world: DoCoMo is apparently developing a dual WCDMA/GSM phone usable with its FOMA network in Japan, to go on sale within 2004. No details yet on who the manufacturer will be or the detailed specs, but it looks like GPRS compatibility for data is likely.

We were led to expect some sort of W-CDMA roaming agreement this year (perhaps with Hutchison's 3 network in the UK, to which it's already possible to make video calls from a FOMA phone), but it looks like for the moment DoCoMo may be pursuing the more realistic option of dual-band handsets.

[Via
K-Tai Watch (Japanese)]