DoCoMo Offers 3G Roaming Service

Japan's DoCoMo says that it is to launch an international roaming-in service to enable mobile subscribers of DoCoMo's 21 international partners in 19 countries and territories to use DoCoMo's 3G FOMA network while in Japan. The service starts May 1, 2004.

By using 3G roaming-in service compatible handsets that will be provided by DoCoMo, subscribers will be able to make and receive calls using their regular local number. Phones will be available at DoCoMo World Counters in Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport. The cost of rental will be 735 Japanese yen (tax included) per day. Charges for international calls from Japan will be set by each international partner.

The roaming-in service will offer voice communication and videophone calls at the time of launch, and DoCoMo plans to add SMS and packet data transmission services later. Overseas operators taking part in this service will also be added.

DoCoMo already offers the WORLD WING international roaming-out service to enable Japan-based FOMA subscribers to use their regular FOMA mobile phone numbers when they travel abroad. Five new countries and territories will be added on May 1, 2004, bringing the total to 104 countries and territories (123 mobile carriers)."

Posted to the site on 28th April 2004