For many users of early mobile data systems in Europe, the technology has been long on hype, short on help. Now a leading cell phone operator has delivered some subscriber numbers for a new mobile data service that is proving to be both useful and fun.
With more of a whimper than a bang, NTT DoCoMo Inc. began the world's first fully commercial third-generation (3G) cellular service Monday morning in Tokyo. The low-profile launch, which came with no ceremonies or events, reflects DoCoMo's caution regarding the service until it is confident about the range of content and terminals that it can offer.
NTT DoCoMo Inc., KPN Mobile NV and Telecom Italia Mobile SpA signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday that paves the way for the launch in Europe of a wireless Internet service based on DoCoMo's hit I-mode service.