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NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and its eight regional subsidiaries announced that the number of subscribers to DoCoMo's 3G FOMA service surpassed the 10 million mark yesterday, less than three and a half years since the service's launch on October 1, 2001.

DoCoMo attributes the rapid subscriber growth to its expanding range of 3G handsets, including new 901i FOMA models, and increasing demand for videophone communication. Subscriptions have also been stimulated by the "pake-hodai" flat-rate packet-data payment plan, which offers low-cost access to the extra-rich content of i-mode 3G services.

FOMA service is currently available in 99.9% of populated areas and all stations of both the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway networks.

In February, the company developed the 700i series of 3G FOMA handsets, which emphasize style and ease of use while possessing all the basic FOMA functions. The company believes the new series will help boost subscriptions further.