NTT DoCoMo is preparing to launch an Android-based phone in Japan next year, reports Tokyo's daily Nikkei without quoting sources. The handset, which will be manufactured by South Korea's KTFreetel, will cost between JPY40,000 (USD413) and 50,000 (USD517).
In comparison, rival operator Softbank sells the iPhone 3G with an 8GM memory disk for JPY23,040 (USD238.3). The 16GB version costs JPY34,560 (USD357). Apple's smartphone is tied to plans ranging from JPY980 (USD10) to JPY5,985 (USD62) a month.
DoCoMo is Japan's largest mobile operator (accounting for nearly 50% of the market) and one of the world's largest wireless firms, with 54m subscribers globally. The company is part of Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of mobile operators, software and technology firms that developed the Android operating system.
Earlier this week, DoCoMo announced it is buying a 26% stake in India's Tata Teleservices for IRS130.7bn (USD2.7bn). DoCoMo bought a 30% stake in Bangladesh TM International earlier this year and owns minority stakes in operators in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines and Malaysia. It also operates through a fully owned subsidiary on Guam and other Mariana islands.
StrategyEye's related companies: TM International (Bangladesh) Limited, KTF, NTT DoCoMo, Tata Teleservices Ltd, Apple, Inc.
