Japan’s NTT DoCoMo plans to launch its LTE service, branded Xi, on 24 December 2010. The Xi service will offer download speeds of up to 75 Mbps and upload up to 37.5 Mbps. The operator will initially sell Xi data terminals for computers, beginning with the USB-type L-02C. The company expects to introduce the first LTE-enabled handsets and voice services in its next fiscal year, which starts in April 2011. At the launch, the Xi service will be available in the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka areas, with other major cities and regions to be covered thereafter.

NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today its launch of Xi™ (read “Crossy”), Japan’s first wireless connectivity service based on the extra-high-speed technology, Long Term Evolution (LTE), scheduled on December 24, 2010.

Xi will enable mobile data communication at a maximum downlink speed of 75 Mbps, or about ten times as fast as DOCOMO’s current FOMA™ 3G service. DOCOMO initially will sell Xi data terminals for connection to mobile computers, beginning with the USB-type L-02C.

Voice calls using Xi will become possible sometime within the fiscal year starting in April 2011, when DOCOMO will begin launching LTE-compatible mobile phones.

Xi service initially will be available in the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka areas, with other major cities and regions to be added thereafter.
At launch, two data-only billing plans will be offered: “Xi Data Plan Ninen” and “Xi Data Plan.” Xi Data Plan Ninen, which will require a two-year contract, is a highly affordable plan costing between 1,000 and 6,510 yen (including tax) for up to 5 gigabytes (GB) of data per month. Over 5 GB, 2,625 yen (including tax) will be charged for each 2 GB (details about both plans are attached).
As a special introductory offer, the maximum monthly charge for unlimited data using Xi Data Plan Ninen will be 4,935 yen (including tax) through April 2012.

Billing plans for Xi voice services will be announced later.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO is the world’s leading mobile operator and provider of advanced mobile services. The company serves over 56 million customers in Japan, including 48 million using i-mode™, the world’s most popular mobile e-mail/Internet platform, and 54 million using FOMA™, the world’s original 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA. As a leader in the development of cutting-edge mobile technologies, DOCOMO is continually expanding the role of mobile phones as versatile and highly personalized “lifestyle tools” for everyday life, including with a wide range of innovative services for mobile payments, GPS, mobile TV, multimedia content and much more. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.nttdocomo.com.

Xi, FOMA and i-mode are trademarks or registered trademarks of NTT DOCOMO, INC. in Japan and/or other countries. FOMA and Xi services are only available in Japan.