Cosmote has world's first 3G i-mode service
A year after Greek operator Cosmote launched i-mode services in the country, it is launching 3G i-mode services.
With the number of i-mode subscribers outside Japan reaching five million, the launch of i-mode over 3G was a prime target of the technology's arch proponent, DoCoMo, which recently secured a commitment from O2 to implement i-mode technology.
3G gives i-mode the same boost it gives other data protocols, ie greater speeds, increased capacity for data transfer and longer duration videos, improved quality and upgraded graphics. Through i-mode over 3G the Flash environment is renewed while Java applications are upgraded offering more capabilities, for instance the maps with graphics that Cosmote will be initially offering.
Upon launch Cosmote is offering the following 3G i-mode services:
Music:
Customers can select entire songs, download them onto their handsets and replay them. i-mode's 3G premiere is marked by an exclusive deal as the operator has secured tracks and the Real Tones of Greek singer, Anna Vissi's new single.
3D Games:
Exclusives include Renault F1 Racing II while in a first in Europe, the company offers PACMANIA.
Video calling:
Now available through i-mode.
In terms of handsets customers will be offered the N600i handset by NEC and "by the end of 2005", i-mode 3G services will be available through more i-mode 3G handsets, the operator said.
Tariffs will offer free navigation and e-mail as well as free video calls for the next three months (until September 15th).
Cosmote's 3G network today covers approximately 46% of the population in the areas of Athens, Thessalonika and all the other major Greek cities while in 2005 the operator plans to install 250 new 3G base stations.
Post-paid subscribers make up 80% of the total 2G i-mode users. i-mode users' data use is up to 50% higher compared to other data services, while they use their mobile phones approximately 40% more, the operator claimed. Approximately 170,000 users in Greece are on i-mode through 175 i-mode sites, with 17 i-mode handsets. international alliance with leading mobile telecommunications companies as members.
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