TOKYO-NTT DoCoMo said it signed a memorandum of understanding with KPN Mobile of the Netherlands, in which DoCoMo holds 15 percent, to consider establishing a joint venture to provide mobile Internet services based on DoCoMo’s i-mode technology and business model in Europe.
“NTT DoCoMo signed today’s joint venture pact with KPN Mobile in order to accelerate its expansion in the European market,” the company said.
Earlier this year, DoCoMo invested in KPN Mobile to further DoCoMo’s plans to deploy mobile multimedia services, including i-mode and third-generation services, in Europe.
The companies plan to discuss a business plan, market strategies and system configurations to provide services to European mobile-phone operators. The companies said they will discuss the following issues: mobile Internet server operations, application/service development, negotiations with content providers, terminal functions planning and design, and brand development.
The operator must also determine the company structure, shareholders’ equity ratio and “additional strategic partners.”
In addition, DoCoMo said it will establish a $4.4 million subsidiary in London to develop new businesses for the European market. The subsidiary will allow the Japanese carrier to conduct 3G cooperation programs with KPN Mobile, Hutchison 3G UK Holding-in which it also holds a stake-and other European operators.
DoCoMo also plans to establish a $6.8 million research facility in Germany to conduct advanced research into the latest network infrastructure technologies in Europe. Both facilities will be wholly owned by DoCoMo.
