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Page 3 of 4
1. 3G/4G
2. US Wireless companies
3. GPS
4. Mobile Commerce
5. New Applications & Services
6. Market
7. Others
8. MVNO
1. 3G/4G
MIC modifies the regulation of HSPA+
deployment
www.soumu.go.jp (09/03, Japanese Release)
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) announced that it would modify the existing regulations to deploy HSPA Evolution (HSPA+) protocol,
defined by 3GPP. MIC will be gathering public opinions for this modification through October 3 and the new regulation will be developed based on these
opinions. The new regulation increases downlink speeds up to 22 Mbps and uplink speeds up to 12 Mbps. Current uplink and downlink speeds are 14Mbps and
2Mbps respectively.
docomo, Renesas, Fujitsu and Sharp jointly develop
platform for HSUPA mobile phone
www.nttdocomo.com (10/16, English
Release)
docomo, Renesas Technology, Fujitsu and Sharp plan to jointly develop the SH-Mobile G4 single-chip LSI device, and a platform incorporating it, to support
the HSUPA1/HSDPA2/W-CDMA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE (2G) mobile telephony standards. Development of the platform is targeted for completion by the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2009 (January-March 2010). The new SH-Mobile G4 will be fabricated with 45-nm process technology to enable highly integrated functions and extra-fast
processing. It will provide enhanced functionality and improved performance for applications handling HD3 video and 3-D graphics. In addition to HSDPA cat.8
for extra-fast downlink speeds (max. 7.2 Mbps), the SH-Mobile G4 will support HSUPA to boost uplink speeds to a maximum of 5.7 Mbps, almost 15 times faster
than the conventional 384kbps speeds, thereby enabling much faster bidirectional data transfers. The platform includes a basic software suite (OS,
middleware, and drivers) and a reference chipset in a single package. By using the new platforms, mobile phone manufacturers can eliminate the need to
develop basic functions independently, significantly reducing development time and costs.
EMOBILE to expand HSUPA service area
www.emobile.jp (11/06, Japanese Release)
EMOBILE plans to expand the service area of HSUPA and the first deployments will take place in major metropolitan areas and eventually cover all 47
prefectures that the company currently services today. The connection fee remains the same, but the uplink speeds will reach the maximum 1.4Mbps compared to
the existing uplink speed of 384 Kbps. The monthly fee will range from 1,980 yen to 10,980 yen depending upon the plan. EMOBILE will also release USB and PC
Card type devices along with its new HSUPA services.
Pilot program for Wireless LAN service inside
taxicab and limousine bus starts
accawireless.com/release/081203
(12/03, Japanese Release)
accawireless.com/release/081209 (12/09, Japanese Release)
Acca Wireless began its commercial trial based wireless LAN service inside taxicabs in cooperation with Keiyu Taxi Group. The trial, free of cost, started on
December 3 and will continue through January 31, 2009. During the trial period, Acca will examine the service content offering and will make plans to start
the fee-based service after the trial finishes. Cab customers will be able to access the Internet through the HSDPA network while commuting in wireless
enabled taxicabs. Maximum downlink speed is expected to achieve 3.6 Mbps. The company claims that Internet access in taxicabs will trigger new business
opportunities for advertising and mobile commerce. The company also plans to establish a digital-signage business model to compliment the WiFi Service that
would allow merchants or stores to broadcast their commercial content to certain areas or groups of target audiences. In addition, Acca announced a similar
trial for airport limousine buses from December 9 through early April 2009.
KDDI Chooses LTE for 3.9-Generation Mobile
Communication Systems, Selects Hitachi as the Development Vendor
www.kddi.com (12/03, English Release)
KDDI chose Long-Term Evolution (LTE) for 3.9-generation (3.9G) mobile communication systems for deployment of its next high-speed broadband mobile
communication network. KDDI selected Hitachi as the core network equipment vendor. Hitachi will work with Nortel Networks as its partner in LTE development.
LTE standards include a peak data rate of more than 100 Mbps and its standardization has moved forward under the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a
standards organization for mobile communication systems. KDDI selected Hitachi to be a joint development vendor of core network nodes (MME, S-GW, P-GW and
PCRF) defined as SAE by the 3GPP, network equipment, and O&M equipment for monitoring and control. In developing the equipment, Hitachi will collaborate with
Nortel Networks to develop a Mobility Management Entity (MME) to ensure seamless handover between base stations. In addition, Hitachi will be responsible for
the overall integration of the system. KDDI plans to place the order for the commercial core network by the end of fiscal 2008. KDDI also plans to select the
development vendors for base stations in 2009, and complete the development of both core network and base stations for LTE by 2010.
2. US Wireless companies
Disney Mobile promotes corporate plans
http://disneymobile.jp (09/01, Japanese Release)
Disney Mobile started marketing its services on September 1 to corporate subscribers in a joint effort with Softbank. There are three promoted plans for
corporate users. First plan is the "White Plan - Corporation 24 (D)” which comes with 10 lines and enables subscribers to call free to his or her business
colleagues for 24 hours a day. The second plan is the "White Plan - Corporation 24+ (D)” which contains the same features of the White Plan – Corporation 24
(D), but adds the ability to purchase additional lines at 924 yen per month per line. The third plan is a split billing service plan that costs 105 yen per
line. The billing is separated between private and business use depending upon the telephone number that is called. The new corporate service can be
purchased at all Disney mobile stores located in Softbank shops or other large electronic retailers.
Shalink launches mobile search engine driven by images taken on handsets
www.evryx.com (09/02, Japanese Release)
ShaLink is a search engine service for mobile handsets that uses image recognition technology developed by Evryx, a US based company that was founded by
former NASA/JPL engineers. First, a mobile user snaps a picture of any product or image such as an advertisement from a billboard, magazine, television or
poster with a camera phone. Next, the image is sent to a remote server that identifies the image and then searches a database that matches sites with the
product. Lastly, the server sends relevant URLs back to the user. The company claims that the recognition rate is 95% accurate for 2D images and 80% accurate
for 3D images. This new service is available for docomo, au and Softbank mobile phones. The company suggests that Shalink will create new advertising
business models and content delivery platforms on mobile phones.
MediaFLO Japan Planning launched verification testing in special "Ubiquitous” zone
www.mediaflo-japan.com (11/28, English Release)
MediaFLO Japan Planning acquired a license to operate a test station for multimedia broadcasting for mobile devices (MediaFLO) in the special "ubiquitous”
zone in Okinawa prefecture. MediaFLO Japan Planning obtained a preliminary license for the test station in Tomigusuku-shi and launched test broadcasts on
September 29. Broadcast strength has since been incrementally increased while monitoring the impact on the broadcasts, including interference, as adjustments
were made to settings such as strength of broadcasts up to the set output. As a result, MediaFLO Japan Planning received a full license. Following the launch
of the test station, MediaFLO Japan Planning will start a verification test of the MediaFLO format in the VHF bandwidth, the first of its kind in the world,
and gather data on radio propagation characteristics in the VHF bandwidth to further evaluate the quality of MediaFLO. While cooperating with various
companies including those involved in the creation of content and development of devices and conducting verification tests for multimedia broadcast services
that integrate broadcasting and communication, MediaFLO Japan Planning expects to encourage content that is closely tied to the local area in cooperation
with local governments and other organizations to help enliven local communities from the fall of 2009.
3. GPS
KDDI and Tokyo University unveil a new technology based on GPS and 6-axis sensor
www.kddilabs.jp (09/26, Japanese Release)
KDDI R&D Laboratories and University of Tokyo research group announced a new technology called "Real Space Perspective Keitai”. This technology enables the
identification of a mobile user's location, speed and the angle at which they are holding the handset. By using this technology, for example, the user can
receive information about nearby stores or can locate friends. This technology uses GPS measurement functions and a 6-axis sensor that integrates 3-axis
acceleration sensors in addition to 3-axis terrestrial sensors. If the user simply raises and faces the handset in a certain direction, any objects and
people, even if they are behind walls or other obstacles, in that direction can be seen. By using the GPS sensors the phone can identify whether a user has
stopped, or is walking, running, or riding a bike, automobile, bus, or train as well.
Nissan to test pedestrian safety system with cellular communications and telematics
www.nissan-global.com (10/23, English Release)
Nissan Motor will initiate a large-scale community-based test of its Intelligent Transport System (ITS), integrating cellular communications with vehicle
telematics to help prevent pedestrian-related accidents. The pilot project will take place in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture for a two-month period from
November 1 to December 27. This represents the first and largest such experiment conducted of its kind, involving 500 pedestrians and 200 drivers, and in
collaboration with docomo. Participants will use a special cellular phone that is compatible with the Nissan navigation system on-board test vehicles, and
will simply go about their regular daily routines, commuting within the neighborhood. Nissan began the basic test of the system in April 2007. By conducting
a large-scaled community-based trial with real-world data tracking, Nissan is moving beyond the initial basic testing towards a commercially viable system.
(Please see details in the TrendWatch story)
4. Mobile Commerce
System Combines Reward Cards into Single Mobile Phone
www.ntt.com (10/09, English Release)
NTT Communications (NTT Com) unveils the development of a system that can securely integrate the reward cards of more than 100 retailers into a single mobile
phone. Users can easily register, access or overwrite membership and its data just by waving their mobile phone, equipped with a contactless IC chip, over a
terminal in a retail shop. The system, named "Gyazapo" (pronounced "gah-zah-poh"), frees users from carrying and searching through multiple rewards cards
while shopping. By simply waving their phone over the terminal, they can obtain benefits of shopping with membership services, including customer rewards and
discounts. Key-Shuttle, security authentication developed by NTT Com, can be integrated so that reward points, ID photos and other membership information of
multiple merchants will be registered under a single platform. The system includes features for security and privacy, such as unauthorized access detection
and user-required permission before a retailer can share membership information with other retailers. NTT Com will test the Gyazapo system in a trial from
February to June 2009. Participants will include major Japanese retailers Bic Camera Inc., Nojima Corporation and Runsystem. The company also emphasizes
Gyazapo as a green system that helps to save natural resources by eliminating the need for traditional plastic cards.
5. New Applications & Services
docomo loads multiple-player game "i-appli online” with its new handsets
www.nttdocomo.co.jp (11/05, Japanese Release)
i-appli online enables multiple mobile users to play online-games with real time communication. The new feature allows users to contact their friends and
invite them to participate while playing games. The company and content developers emphasize this feature will stimulate more participation and competition
in games. There are two ways to make contact. First, one can select his/her friend from a telephone book and contact them through i-appli. The second way is
to search for players through an IP service provider. 10 out of 22 new handsets of PRIME, SMART and Pro series, released by docomo this past fall comply with
i-appli online application.
6. Market
Corporate market for mobile phone will reach 1 trillion yen in 2013
www.seedplanning.co.jp (10/28, Japanese Release)
According to the research conducted by Seedplanning the mobile handsets purchased by small to medium size corporations reached 12.5 million sets in 2007 and
will increase to 28.6 million by 2013. Based upon needs from corporate mobile users such as pricing, security, mail solutions, PBX, GPS and customized
solutions, the research company estimates that sales of the corporate mobile market will grow to 1 trillion yen in 2013, up from 164 billion yen in 2007.
They predict that the customized solution segment is the largest and most promising field within mobile corporate market.
au and Sony Ericsson rank top of the customer satisfaction survey by J.D. Power
2008 Japan Mobile Phone Service (11/11, Japanese Release)
2008 Japan Mobile Handset (11/11, Japanese Release)
J.D. Power Asia Pacific released survey results on customer satisfaction of carriers and mobile handsets in Japan. The survey interviewed 7,500 respondents
in August 2008 and au ranked first receiving 588 points out of 1,000. The survey covered all subjects of handsets including fees, quality of
connection/area, non-voice features/services and customer service. docomo ranked second followed by Softbank. The survey on handset manufacturers was
conducted in August and 1819 responses were collected from those who purchased new handsets within the last year. For handsets, Sony Ericsson ranked first
with a score of 627 points out of 1,000. The last survey was conducted in 2004 and Sony Ericsson also received the top ranking in that survey, also. The
respondents said that Sony Ericsson is superior to other handsets in usability/function and mail features. Fujitsu ranked second with 618 points. J.D. Power
disclosed from the survey that fewer users purchased new handsets this year compared to the previous year. However the level of satisfaction of those users
remained the same standard as in the previous survey.
Aplix teams up with Capcom to deliver mobile content to the global market
www.aplixcorp.com (12/01, English Release)
Aplix cooperated with Capcom to deliver a solution combining Capcom's game content with Aplix' platform. The company claims that JBlend, the company's Java
platform for embedded devices, holds nearly 90% of the mobile phone market share in Japan and is focused on further strengthening its global presence. This
solution targets the global market where the adoption of mobile phones featuring camera modules and color LCD screens is rapidly growing in recent years and
content services using these features are expected to grow. Aplix has been developing various solutions and released an integrated solution earlier this year
that enables motion-control features on low cost phones and supports the deployment of motion-controlled games. The company expects that by collaborating
with Capcom to provide this combined solution, it will actively support the launch of content services in new markets.
7. Others
MIC to modify law of Femtocell
www.soumu.go.jp (09/03, Japanese Release)
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will modify the Radio Regulation Law for ease an installation of femtocell device. The current law
states that operators at central offices (CO) are required to have a proper license. The major change of the law will be to remove the requirement so that
any person will be able to operate a femtocell CO. The agency had gathered public hearings during July to August in 2008 in the background of promoting
deployment of femtocell devices.
Symbian Foundation continues to draw strong industry support for open mobile platform
www.symbian.com (09/09, English Release)
Plans for the Symbian Foundation and the evolution of Symbian OS as a leading open platform for mobile innovation continue to receive strong support from
companies throughout the mobile ecosystem. At this time, Acrodea, Brycen, HI Corporation, Ixonos, KTF, Opera Software, Sharp, TapRoot Systems and UIQ are
adding their endorsement for the planned foundation. Since June 2008, 40 companies have confirmed commitment to the initiative, including the ten initial
board members: AT&T, docomo, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Vodafone.
NEC receives First IMS-based femtocell system order from Softbank
www.nec.co.jp (09/22, English Release)
NEC received an order from Softbank Mobile for the world's first IMS-based (IP Multimedia Subsystem) femtocell system. IMS-based femtocell systems consist of
IMS Cores, femtocell gateways and femtocell access points. Softbank completed development of a commercial system in June of this year and has already begun
trial. The company plans to have IMS-based femtocell systems prepared for full commercial use commencing in January 2009. Femtocell technologies enable
expanded indoor use of mobile phones where radio waves traditionally have difficulty reaching, and facilitate new data services and deliver self-contained
high-speed broadband communications to individual households. NEC's IMS-based femtocell system for Softbank uses an IMS configured with an SIP server to
independently control communications from femtocells. The system distributes transmission load across the entire mobile network, regardless of the traffic
load, and helps prevent congestion as femtocells spread and traffic increases. The IMS framework is also compatible with backbone networks migrating to IP-
based networks, and therefore facilitates the construction of all-IP networks for broadband, fixed and mobile communications. As the system is also highly
compatible with SDP (Service Delivery Platforms), new business is anticipated in the future from the linkage of femtocells with home servers. NEC's IMS
femtocell system employs Ubiquisys' Zonegate Access Point.
Nissan, docomo and Sharp jointly develop world's first mobile phone with built-in intelligent
key
www.nttdocomo.com (09/24, English Release)
Nissan Motor, docomo, and Sharp jointly developed a mobile phone capable of functioning as an intelligent key for automobiles. The device will incorporate
Nissan's Intelligent Key system, already a standard feature in various Nissan vehicles. Nissan's Intelligent Key system, installed in more than 950,000 units
of various Nissan models since 2002, employs two-way wireless communications technology to automatically unlock/lock the car door and start/stop the engine.
Nissan and Sharp has now integrated these electronic intelligent-key, wireless communications and electromagnetic technologies into the new handset. Those
companies claim that as mobile phones increasingly become a daily necessity, the integration of these technologies and the potential to further expand
related functionality helped to bring together the three parties, who expect users to appreciate the seamlessly integrated features of their new handset.
They will demonstrate this mobile phone with built-in Intelligent Key in their respective exhibits at CEATEC Japan 2008 and will continue to develop the
product with an aim for commercial distribution in early fiscal year 2009.
Japan Digital Communications releases world's smallest satellite communication module
www.jdc.ne.jp (10/06, Japanese Release)
Japan Digital Communications started marketing the "THURAYA Module” and its antenna. The "THURAYA Module Evaluation Kit with Antenna” will be available from
October 6. This module enables full satellite communication functionality in a module the same size as a business card (52 x 72 x 9.5 mm). Japan Digital
Communications disclosed the technical information of the module as an open source platform and encourages manufacturers to develop their own handsets with
the technology embedded. The company emphasizes that the satellite communication module makes it possible to develop car navigation system with global
standard specification in addition to reducing cost of development of handsets.
8. MVNO
Itochu will enter MVNO support business
www.ctc-g.go.jp (11/27, Japanese Release)
Itochu Techno-Solutions will soon start its new service "MVNO Enabling Service”. The company claims that its new service will utilize their expertise in
landline and wireless networks business support operators who do not have experience in the communication business but want to start an MVNO service. The
service consists of business planning, systems development and building an ecommerce platform.
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