DoCoMo Plans Always-On Net Service for PDAs, Notebook PCs

Details of DoCoMo's much awaited always on, flat rate mobile internet connection service due to start on April 1st are here. What the article doesn't mention is that the similar priced service by KDDI is only 32kbps, although KDDI also have 25 hour 128kbps plans for around the same price and flat rate 128kbps plans for around double. KDDI's cards are know not only for being flat rate but for being able to maintain the connection on a moving train and pick up a dropped connection straight away (for example after passing through a tunnel). It will be very interesting to see whether DoCoMo can match or beat the KDDI service in terms of usability. The current PHS cards can't keep the connection on the move and when the connection is dropped a redial is required. The other question is whether anyone will want to invest in the cards which come out in April when new cards (is that what they mean by device?) will be probably required for the Mzone service in June. DoCoMo have a record of making it difficult and offering financial penalties rather than rewards for people who want to upgrade CF cards.

To see what DoCoMo is doing in terms of providing content for PDAs, see their flashy M-Stage site (Japanese only). The 100 yen (US$1) charge seems great until you remember that you have to pay by the minute for access. A flat rate service will make it much more attractive.