Softbank To Stop Further Development Of Japan-Made Mobile Technology And To Take Chinese 4G Standard?

Softbank, a Japanese telecom and media company who will take over the next-generation PHS service called XGP[J] from the service’s predecessor Willcom in corporate reorganization proceedings, is reportedly considering to adopt China Mobile‘s TD-LTE standard instead for the service in Japan, several Japanese news sources reported. If Softbank adopts TD-LTE, Softbank’s subscribers in Japan and… Continue reading Softbank To Stop Further Development Of Japan-Made Mobile Technology And To Take Chinese 4G Standard?

Wireless Japan 2009, Mobile Innovations Are Out There

In order to cover one of this year’s remarkable mobile exhibitions in Tokyo, I’ve checked many IT news sources, but most of new products and new services introduced at the exhibition have been already featured on Asiajin. (Probably this is what we have to be proud of, because that means we keep covering the cutting-edge.)… Continue reading Wireless Japan 2009, Mobile Innovations Are Out There

MCF Announces This Year’s Award-Winning Mobile Projects (2/2)

Continued from the previous post. ———- Excellent Award (Mobile Solution Category) Won by McDonalds Japan[J] and the JV, a McDonalds’ joint venture with NTT DoCoMo, with their customer relationship marketing project by using cellphone wallet and mobile apps. Every Friday they distribute virtual discount coupons for McDonald’s meals to participating members’ handsets, which is valid… Continue reading MCF Announces This Year’s Award-Winning Mobile Projects (2/2)

Another Way To Have Mobile Broadband, It’s Neither WiMax Nor HSDPA

Japan’s only PHS operator Willcom announced today it would start trial of new high-speed mobile data service next week, which is called XGP and enables logically 20Mbps Internet access not only in downstream but also in upstream. Starting on April 27th, the trial will be in operation until the end of coming September, and the… Continue reading Another Way To Have Mobile Broadband, It’s Neither WiMax Nor HSDPA

Will Mobile Medical Services Save Japan From The Global Economic Downturn?

Economists point out that expanding domestic demand and encouraging consumption are the highest priorities in getting us out of this economic downturn. IT Strategic Headquarters, the arm of Japan’s Cabinet which oversees which IT platforms will most benefit the country in the future, has suggested a three-year stimulus package including further deployment of broadband applications… Continue reading Will Mobile Medical Services Save Japan From The Global Economic Downturn?

Rakuten to start PHS service in April

Rakuten[J],  Japan’s largest e-commerce player, unveiled that it is planning to start a PHS (personal handy-phone system) service as an MVNO (or mobile virtual network operator) for its corporate users this coming April. Jointly with Fusion Communications, and under a roaming agreement with Japanese PHS operator Willcom, Rakuten intends to provide free mobile phone service… Continue reading Rakuten to start PHS service in April