That means they can download data up to 40 times faster than most of their Internet friendly predecessors. The new handsets also allow users to log onto the Net and take phone calls at the same time. Their delay is one of a number of setbacks that have hit the company recently. A month ago, DoCoMo said it would need until October to work out all the bugs in time for a full-scale commercial 3G launch. Though the 3G launch delay is a credibility blow to one of the world's leading mobile companies, the mobile operator is still riding high on the enormous popularity of its I-mode mobile Internet data service.
Analysts call the setbacks minor.
This happens all the time. Analysts say limits on capacity will also prevent DoCoMo's 3G service from providing consumers with real-time video for the forseeable future. While in general, DoCoMo's 3G trialists seemed pleased with their new handsets, the upgraded functions strained battery life as the first models hit Tokyo's streets. In any case, do not expect 3G phones like this to catch up in Europe or the U.S. anytime soon. DoCoMo says even in Japan, it expects to sign up only 150,000 3G customers by March 2002.