NTT DoCoMo takes on Europe at 3G game

The Japanese company that developed iMode, the technology touted as a threat to Wap, is planning an invasion of the UK and Europe.

The Japanese company that developed iMode, the technology touted as a threat to Wap, is planning an invasion of the UK and Europe.

NTT DoCoMo says it will offer third-generation (3G) mobile services in the UK and other European countries in partnership with Dutch telco KPN and Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa.

The companies plan to share the cost of securing 3G licences by building networks and products in France, Germany, Belgium and the UK.

In April this year, Hutchison and Canadian firm TIW secured a UK 3G licence for £4.4bn through new company Hutchinson 3G UK.

Under the agreement, NTT DoCoMo and KPN will acquire a 35 per cent stake in Hutchison 3G UK for £2.1bn. TIW will get £50m of this for waiving its option to acquire a 3.5 per cent stake.