Under the terms of their agreement, NTT DoCoMo and SCEI will jointly combine the following technologies: 1. Conventional i-mode phone and Playstation 2. Java enabled i-mode phone and Playstation 3. Next-generation mobile communications system (W-CDMA) and Playstation.
In addition, both companies will jointly develop an
i-mode and Playstation connecting cable, which SCEI will manufacture and market. The specific content of the new service is still under consideration.
NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo is Japan's largest mobile communications company with a market capitalisation of US$279 billion. As of June 2000, the company had more than 30 million subscribers. It had consolidated operating revenue of 3.7 trillion yen (approximately US$34.7 billion) in fiscal 1999 (year ended 31 March 2000). NTT DoCoMo was formed in July 1992 to take over the mobile communications operations and sales of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT). NTT DoCoMo provides nationwide services, including cellular, PHS phone, paging, satellite mobile communications and maritime and in-flight telephone services. The company also has subsidiaries in the United States, France and Brazil. In February 1999 NTT DoCoMo launched its "i-mode" service, which provides continuous connection with the Internet via mobile phones. The number of subscribers to the service exceeded 8 million at the end of June 2000. NTT DoCoMo plans to introduce third-generation mobile communications services based on its W-CDMA system in May 2001. The UMTS services planned to be introduced in Europe will be based upon NTT DoCoMo's W-CDMA technology. The company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the undisputed global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation game console and PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these two platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of Sony Corporation.
