Symbian and NTT DoCoMo have simplified the process of
bringing future 3G handsets to market faster with an operator
technology integrator agreement.
The move is an important stamp of approval for the Symbian OS,
according to Symbian spokesman Peter Bancroft.
"DoCoMo is one of the leaders in 3G and to have DoCoMo's
blessing - so to speak - of the Symbian OS which will encourage
manufacturers to embrace it as well. It is an important strategic
win for Symbian," Bancroft said.
The agreement gives NTT DoCoMo access to Symbian OS source code
as well as the right to deliver extended versions of the code to
phone manufacturers that are Symbian OS licensees, Bancroft
said.
"Things work a little differently in Japan in that the handset
manufacturers are building the products to DoCoMo's
specifications," Bancroft said.
"That covers a wide variety of features such as content viewers,
the browsers and the DRM (digital rights management) and billing
solutions. This agreement simplifies that process of specifying the
platform."
Simplifying the specification process will make it cheaper to
produce 3G handsets for DoCoMo, Bancroft said.
The agreement will cover NTT DoCoMo Foma 3G network services on
phones based on Symbian OS.
The Foma 3G service is based on the WCDMA (Wideband Code
Division Multiple Access) standard. The agreement will not take
effect until the production of next-generation handsets, expected
in early 2005, Bancroft said.
Manufacturers began to ship products for DoCoMo using Symbian
technology early this year. Most recently, Fujitsu released the
F2102V in Japan, a mobile video phone supporting DoCoMo's FOMA 3G
mobile service and running the Symbian OS.
Laura Rohde writes for IDG News Service
