NTT DoCoMo to Retail 3G HTC Phones in Japan

Japanese telecommunications giant NTT DoCoMo has just signed a marketing deal with Taiwanese handset maker High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC). Under the agreement, NTT DoCoMo will sell 3G FOMA mobile phones made by HTC. The launch of the unit is slated for the second half of this year.

The Taiwanese-based company’s handset will have Microsoft Mobile 5.0 (Japanese edition) as its operating system and is primarily intended for corporate consumers. The unit would also be able to access or connect to Windows Server and Exchange server, enabling it to provide messaging and various business functions or support.

The handset will be compatible with two widely-used network systems – WCDMA and GSM/GPRS. Normally, one would need a separate mobile for each of the two systems. In addition to the integrated keypad, data input will also be possible through a QWERTY keyboard. The unit also provides voice, video and packet communications suitable with wireless local area networks (LAN). No announcements have been made yet as to what specific design will be used as a foundation for the new product.