DoCoMo customers can access MTI sites, but they must type out lengthy site addresses rather than use the much simpler key commands enjoyed by DoCoMo content partners. Kuboi Masanobu, an analyst with Ichiyoshi Securities Research Institute in Tokyo, says that poses a serious obstacle. DoCoMo may not matter that much outside of Japan however, and that is where Maeta sees big opportunities. He has already launched 10 sites in Korea and Europe and another 10 are on the way. He's also looking to Hong Kong and Singapore, where mobile phone density is even greater than in Japan.
Bigger moves are ahead as mobile data delivery moves out of infancy.
Next-generation transmission technologies will be introduced in Japan as early as next year, offering speeds that will rival or exceed wired broadband networks. Maeta says mobile phones themselves will be equipped with digital cameras by the end of 2000, even digital video cameras. A palm-sized princess isn't on the horizon, but Maeta could soon be dialing up the next Star Wars installment on the subway. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.