TOKYO, JAPAN, May 19, 2003 --- NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and its eight regional subsidiaries announced today that they will launch WORLD WING™, an international roaming service for DoCoMo 3G handset users, on June 1, 2003.
WORLD WING service allows subscribers traveling abroad to make and receive calls from their regular FOMA phone numbers. To use the service, customers simply insert the UIM chip that comes with their FOMA handsets into any GSM handset having international roaming service capabilities. The chip, called a "FOMA card," is available in two types, green and blue. Only the green FOMA card is compatible with WORLD WING. Users with blue FOMA cards will receive a green chip free in exchange for their blue chip when applying for the service.
WORLD WING will be available in 53 countries and regions at the time of launch, and will be expanded at a later date to encompass 72 countries and regions. There will be no basic monthly charge for the service, and communications fees will vary depending on the country/region in which the service is being used.
The number of FOMA users has been rapidly increasing following the introduction of enhanced handsets and expansion of service areas. DoCoMo expects the launch of WORLD WING to further stimulate demand for FOMA.
Applications for WORLD WING service, required before users leave Japan, can be made at dedicated DoCoMo sales channels, via a toll free number (0120-800-000) or by accessing DoCoMo's "e-site" (see link at www.esite.nttdocomo.co.jp) No additional application is required whenever the customer goes abroad.
In conjunction with WORLD WING, DoCoMo will also provide rental GSM handsets for use overseas. A handset rental fee of 400 yen per day will be charged to subscribers who apply via the official i-mode site as of June 2, or the WORLD WING website at worldwing.nttdocomo.co.jp. A rental fee of 500 yen per day will be charged for applications made over the phone by calling the WORLD WING Rental Center (0120-892-400). The center is open 9:00-18:00 on weekdays and 9:00-17:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
In line with official requirements, the companies today notified the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications of the new service.
Note: When applying, English assistance is available via the free dial number listed above. Application via any other channel, however, must be in Japanese.
For more details, please refer to the attachment.
Attachment |
Outline of Rental WORLD WING Service GSM Handset |
Motorola V66 | |
Size (height x width x thickness) | 84 x 44 x 21 (mm) (folded) |
Weight | Approx. 79g |
Continuous stand-by time | 120 hours |
Continuous talk time | 180 minutes |
Frequency band (MHz) | 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
Color | Pearl White |
About NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo is the world's leading mobile communications company with more than 46 million customers. The company provides a wide variety of leading-edge mobile multimedia services. These include , the world's most popular mobile internet service, which provides e-mail and internet access to over 38 million subscribers, and , launched in 2001 as the world's first 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA. In addition to wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe and North and South America, the company is expanding its global reach through strategic alliances with mobile and multimedia service providers in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North and South America. NTT DoCoMo is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM), and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.docomo.ne.jp/english
i-mode and FOMA are trademarks or registered trademarks of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japan and other countries.
WORLD WING is a trademark of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japan.