NTT DoCoMo Inc. joins several other major wireless players in introducing an over-the-air updating service that will allow the carrier to remotely send software patches or even new applications to mobile-phone subscribers.
DoCoMo said its mova and FOMA handsets will be able to access the new service starting Oct. 17, but only its 252i series phones will be able to initially use the system. The carrier said users will be able to update their phone software to repair glitches without visiting DoCoMo shops. DoCoMo said in the future it may use the system to enhance the software capabilities of its handsets. The carrier said the service will be free.
Interestingly, DoCoMo said it notified the government Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications of the new system-highlighting the legal and business complications behind such a service.
Over-the-air services, dubbed OTA, allow carriers or handset makers to broadcast bits and bytes to users’ mobile phones, software packages that could patch glitches or even introduce new data services. Motorola Inc. and China Unicom have announced plans to offer such services. And the Open Mobile Alliance standards body is working to finalize a set of standard protocols for the service.
Several vendors are selling OTA technologies, including Bitfone Corp., Insignia plc and DoOnGo Technologies Inc. DoCoMo did not name a vendor for its service.
OTA technology “is an important opportunity,” said Seamus McAteer, a senior analyst with the Zelos Group. “You talk to all the carriers, and they all say it’s a major headache.”
McAteer said there are a significant number of hurdles the industry must leap before the technology becomes widespread. Standards issues aside, the technology must be secure and free of glitches. Further, carriers and handset makers will have to take care not to bombard users with new applications and services. Handset makers especially could take a cautious approach, as over-the-air system upgrades might forestall new handset purchases.
McAteer said the industry may see some OTA phones in the market next year, but it will likely be another 18 months before there is a big enough installed base to make the service worthwhile.
“It’s still a ways off,” he said.
