Three more weeks to go until NTT DoCoMO launch 3G network

May 2001 will be a milestone in the development of mobile communications, when NTT DoCoMo, Japan's leading mobile communications operator will introduce the world's first 3G (third-generation) mobile communications service in Japan. It will be known as FOMA (Freedom of Multi Media) and empowered by W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), an IMT-2000, 3G mobile communications international standard.

W-CDMA will offer data transmission at speeds far superior to conventional systems and will transform the way people communicate.

It also has amazing implications for the future. FOMA will one day support multimedia content in a borderless manner and transform cellular terminals into powerful interactive tools. It will bring people together around the world and enrich everyday life with new levels of convenience and freedom. Keiji Tachikawa, President and CEO of the company said "NTT DoCoMo is working toward ever-higher levels of mobile communications; taking our dreams for a brighter future and making them real".

However due to recent upsets with constant supply delays, it looks unlikely it will be the world first 3G network which is due to lunch in May.