Third-generation (3G) cellular communications services have a longer history in Japan than anywhere else in the world. With the introduction of FOMA (Freedom of
Multimedia Access) in October 2001, NTT DoCoMo became the first wireless carrier to deploy a commercial network based on the W-CDMA communications protocol. Since that time, KDDI and Vodafone KK in Japan, and multiple service providers in Korea, have followed DoCoMo into the 3G arena.
Major impediments to the early adoption of W-CDMA-based services in Japan included bulky handsets, short talk- and standby-times, and limited network coverage. Over the last two and a half years, however, notable progress has taken place in all these areas. This Portelligent strategic analysis provides details on the most recent 3G handsets introduced in Japan, summarizes the business and technology profiles of Japan's three major wireless carriers, discusses the strategic situation of the major Japanese handset makers as it relates to their efforts to improve their global position by leveraging their experience in 3G, and provides an update on 3G activities elsewhere in Asia.