What is likely to drive wireless data growth at NTT DoCoMo going forward?
Given the high wireless data penetration at NTT DoCoMo, we think that the next growth driver centers on raising the number of subscribers using Java handsets. Note that i-modes Java-handset subscribers (about 6 million) average around 400 packets per day, or 3,900 ($32.5) per month. This is higher than i-modes average usage of 200 to 220 packets per day, or 2,100 to 2,280 ($18 to $19) per month prior to the introduction of Java handsets. Another, albeit less immediate driver for wireless data growth at NTT DoCoMo is W-CDMA. On October 1st, NTT DoCoMo rolled out its W-CDMA service. At this point, while W-CDMA subscribers can send and receive video images through W-CDMA videophones, there is little content specifically designed for 3G only applications. In other words, 3G subscribers are still accessing the same i-mode content, although at much higher speeds. W-CDMA handsets are retailed at about 40,000 ($333) per unit, and their actual costs are about 60,000 ($500) per unit. Looking for
