European operators sign for i-mode

OXFORD, United Kingdom—Germany’s E-Plus, KPN Mobile of the Netherlands and Belgium’s KPN Orange have each reached agreements with NTT DoCoMo to adopt the Japanese operator’s multimedia messaging protocol. This move is the first time that DoCoMo has licensed technology to foreign companies, as it seeks to expand overseas by focusing its strategy on 3G and Internet-capable cell phones. The company is now expected to push ahead with plans to launch its popular i-mode services in the US via its AT&T Wireless ties.
DoCoMo said that the three European operators would start their image transmission service based on i-mode technology in September, with the launch of i-mode wireless Internet services in Europe now being delayed until next year. The three European firms are expected to develop similar terminals for the new service.
Outside of these deals, DoCoMo and PacketVideo have announced jointly developed technology for converting streamed video for delivery to cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) on 3G networks. The live video distribution technology will make its debut in early October when NTT launches its widely anticipated 3G service, dubbed Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access.