DDI POCKET Starts 128 kbps Packet Data Commercial Service
After a one-month trial that began February 26,
2002, DDI POCKET, Inc. started its "AirH"" 128 kbps packet data
nationwide commercial service "Option 128"on March 26, 2002.
DDI POCKET launched a semi-flat rate plan named "Net 25" using the
"AirH"" flex-change system in June, 2001 and flat rate continuous
connection plan called "Tsunagi-Houdai" using a 32 kbps packet exchange
system in August 2001.
Thanks to low usage costs and high data transmission speeds, "AirH""
subscribers have been steadily increasing since the launch of the
service and reached approximately 330,000 by the end of March, 2002.
(Refer to Fig.1.) Terminals that can be used with DDI POCKET's Option
128 service, such as "AirH"" handsets, PC card terminals (for example,
the "AH-G10" by HONDA ELECTRON CO., LTD), CF card type terminals,
and built-in module type PCs, continue to be released.
Fig.1 DDI Pocket's AirH Subscriber
Increase |
The new "Option 128" service is offered for an additional monthly
fee of 3,500 yen (approx. US$ 27) in addition to 4,930 yen (approx.
US$ 38) for the "Tsunagi-Houdai" service. Not only DDI POCKET's
Internet subscription service "PRIN", but many similar services
will be offered by other Internet service providers using the 128
kbps service as well.
Conceptual figure of the 128 kbps packet data service is as Fig.2.
In PHS systems, Cell Stations (CSs) are allocated so that the coverage
area of one CS can overlap with that of several adjacent CSs, enabling
PHS users to communicate with multiple CSs. 128 kbps packet data
service has become available by enabling users to simultaneously
communicate with four CSs.
Fig.2 Conceptual Illustratration of
128kbit Data Service |
Even when speeds of 128 kbps are not attainable, such as when users
are inside a building or in the suburbs, data transmission speeds
over 32 kbps can be achieved if communications with more than two
CSs is possible. For example, 96 kbps can be achieved when communicating
with 3 CSs, or 64 kbps with 2 CSs. As for the three MVNOs (Mobile
Virtual Network Operators) who are providing their services using
DDI POCKET's system. (Refer to the later article for more details.)
They have also become able to offer the same service at the same
time as DDI POCKET.
The PHS market development will surely be boosted with the introduction
of multiple rate plans, value added services which are currently
not offered by DDI POCKET such as accelerator (data compression)
services, etc. in combination with this 128 kbps packet data service..
(Exchange rate : US$ 1=130 yen)
