NTT DoCoMo's wireless Internet service iMode is the biggest Internet service provider in Japan with 12 million subscribers. iMode is a proprietary always-on mobile Internet service supported by thousands of compatible Web sites.
A multi-pronged approach to the huge European market will see the Japanese company set up a UK subsidiary, DoCoMo Europe (UK) Ltd, establish a German research lab, and extend a pact with KPN Mobile NV, a Dutch cellular phone holding company.
DoCoMo Europe will be the focus of NTT DoCoMo's mobile multimedia and wideband CDMA-based third-generation wireless businesses in Europe. It will work closely with European mobile operators KPN Mobile and Hutchison 3G UK Holding Ltd, joint ventures in which NTT DoCoMo has already invested.
The German research facility in Munich, DoCoMo Communications Laboratories Europe, will explore network infrastructure and mobile security technologies in Europe.
Lastly, a planned joint venture with existing partner KPN Mobile NV would provide iMode-based services in Europe, as well as other third-generation wireless services.
"If both companies formally decide to establish a joint venture, NTT DoCoMo will conclude a licensing agreement to render assistance in iMode related technologies," said the company, in a statement on Friday.
Earlier last week, NTT DoCoMo confirmed its long-anticipated tie-up with America Online. The Japanese company gets a 42.3 percent stake in AOL Japan to become the largest shareholder. DoCoMo will also pump US$100 million cash into AOL Japan, which currently has about 440,000 dial-up subscribers. AOL and iMode Internet services in Japan will be cross-promoted.
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