NTT DoCoMo has begun testing its 3G wireless phone service, rolling out 4500 handsets in the Tokyo area. Models available for early testing include an upgraded version of the Net-linking i-mode phone and a computer-card model for data transmission. Additionally, 1200 video phones were distributed in the Tokyo area. The handsets were free, but users pay higher transmission rates than those for current i-mode phones.
DoCoMo's 3G cell phones relay data up to 40 times faster than current mobile phones. Eventually, they will relay video and enable music downloads.
For more information on the introductory phase of the company's 3G service, visit www.nttdocomo.com.