ATT, NTT DoCoMo partner up on 3G rollout for Hawaii
Filed under: ATT, NTT DoCoMo
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sneakz @ Jul 12th 2007 9:55PM
Why can't the whole world go to W-CDMA. Everything seems headed that way anyway.
skeletonliar @ Jul 12th 2007 11:13PM
I don't see anything in that article that even hints at them getting rid of roaming charges. All they say is that they want ot provide "enhanced 3G services."
In all likelihood, this probably means the following:
- Docomo users will be able to check their email and browse the internet at higher speeds (as opposed to slow-ass EDGE)
- They may be able to use their Japanese handset instead of a rental
- They may be able to use advanced FOMA features like videophone
Based on the way Docomo runs their business, and based on the fact they are shelling out $24 million, I really don't think they are going to set this up as a free service.
Will @ Jul 12th 2007 11:24PM
I don't really get what this is going to mean. AT&T's 3G network is incompatible with NTT DoCoMo's. Hell, the spectrum that they would need isn't even available for sale from the FCC (which in fact is quite possibly one of the most useless organizations besides PETA, but that's for another day).
I'm guessing the Japanese are going to have fun with at&t's dropped calls and crappy EDGE.
Jamar @ Jul 13th 2007 12:58AM
Or it could mean that NTT DoCoMo's going to be including American 3G bands in their FOMA phones. Which could also lead to FOMA phones reaching the mainland 48 (poor Alaska- but they can wait). I hope this develops further (Who knows- DoCoMo becomes an MVNO? AT&T gets FOMA phones? DoCoMo buys out AT&T or reaches a deal with them like Vodafone in Verizon Wireless?)
Matt @ Jul 13th 2007 8:52AM
Does anyone remember the OLD AT&T Wireless...Wasn't it NTT DoCoMo that was a part owner of it...the mMode was based on the iMode service which was developed by NTT. Time will show what kind of setup they'll do...or maybe Aloha state will get some kind of preferential treatment and will get W-CDMA 2100...wouldn't that be nice...US Mainland 3G phones would be obsolete on the "home turf" already.
Jamar @ Jul 13th 2007 10:49PM
"or maybe Aloha state will get some kind of preferential treatment and will get W-CDMA 2100"
I am *so* going to Hawaii for college if that happens...
Robbie @ Jul 14th 2007 1:18AM
compatible frequencies are not available in the US
Linc @ Aug 9th 2007 10:13PM
re: the old AT&T/NTT DoCoMo. Back then when NTT DoCoMo was a bidder(along w/Cingular) for buying AT&T . . . NTT DoCoMo being a part owner in Verizon would have had to sell their shares in Verizon if they ended up outbidding Cingular.
I'm itching for this to start; maybe it was worth it to move back here . . . hahahaha, maybe. I'm guessing there's no way this will be done halfway. There'd be no agreement if AT&T wasn't totally onboard w/what DoCoMo wants to offer their customers; and we AIN'T talkin' Edge, I'm sure of that!
mroach @ Jul 15th 2007 10:17AM
Yeah, something is missing here. AT&T is 850/1900 and DoCoMo is 2100. Either they're going to deploy all three bands in Hawaii, which might be possible, or DoCoMo will start selling and/or renting out triband UMTS/HSDPA devices. I suppose the latter would be easier and make more sense; there are a few available now and more coming.