TOKYO, JAPAN, August 31, 2007 --- ACCA Networks Co., Ltd. and
The arrangement has been made necessary by the ministry's decision not to grant 2.5GHz spectrum rights directly to existing operators of third-generation mobile services, such as DoCoMo, in order to encourage new market entrants.
ACCA Networks will provide overall management of ACCA Wireless, such as operation of high-speed wired infrastructure and sales of broadband wireless services. DoCoMo will help construct the wireless access network and provide technical assistance.
ACCA Networks agreed to the partnership based on DoCoMo's extensive experience and know-how in mobile technologies. DoCoMo, which has been pursuing the launch of 2.5GHz broadband wireless services, sees a good fit with ACCA Networks' goal to provide services with globally standardized technologies through open, cooperative relationships that leverage each partner's strengths.
DoCoMo's stake in ACCA Wireless will be limited to no more than one-third, according to ministry stipulations, since DoCoMo is an existing operator of 3G services. Under the agreement, ACCA Wireless would be recapitalized at about 72 billion yen, of which DoCoMo would provide about 19 billion yen for a stake of less than the 33.3% ceiling. ACCA Networks would invest about 30 billion yen, which would exceed the minimum 40% requirement for managerial control of ACCA Wireless as a consolidated subsidiary. Additional partners will be sought.
Both companies, as business partners, will accelerate preparations to apply for the 2.5GHz broadband wireless access license and develop business after the license acquisition.
- About ACCA Networks
- ACCA Networks Co., Ltd. (Code: 3764 JASDAQ Securities Exchange), provides high-quality broadband network services to both individual customers and corporations. ACCA has established a strong reputation, especially among corporate users, as a high-quality network provider through its 24 hour 365 day guaranteed network and maintenance dispatch team and high security level services utilizing ATM network. ACCA targets to develop and introduce broadband related communication services surpassing customer's expectations and support day-to-day operations. Such services include but are not limited to Business Solution Services, such as "Machine-to-Machine" (M2M), and most recently mobile WiMAX, 2.5GHz broadband wireless access license ACCA has been preparing to acquire for business expansion. Further information on ACCA Networks is available at http://www.acca.ne.jp/english/ir/index.html.
- About NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo is the world's leading mobile communications company. DoCoMo serves more than 52 million customers, including 38 million people subscribing to FOMA™, launched as the world's first 3G mobile service based onW-CDMA in 2001. DoCoMo also offers a wide variety of leading-edge mobile multimedia services, includingi-mode™ , the world's most popular mobile e-mail/Internet service, used by more than 47 million people. With the addition of credit-card and other e-wallet functions, DoCoMo mobile phones have become highly versatile tools for daily life.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.
