Hi Yuki;
Only the "official" imode sites are able have the charges for their content
tacked on to the users' Docomo phone bill, thereby simplifying the payment
clearing process; unofficial sites can charge as they please, but
payment/collection becomes a more involved process for both provider and user,
though sans the 9% NTT service charge official sites pay. There are some 3rd
party services that aim to offer/simplify the payment clearing process for
"unofficial" sites... NTT collects data packet fees for all sites users
visit, official or not.
Regarding 3G services, in many other countries the limited number of licenses
are being awarded to the highest bidder, putting an incredible financial burden
for some companies just to get their foot in the door, which they may try to
pass along to the customer... in other countries; in Japan the licenses are
not being auctioned by rather "awarded"; the new java-capable 3G phones may be
initially more expensive, and new capabilities will likely create new services
users will pay for if they choose to use, but here we *shouldn't* increased
costs due specifically to high licensing fees like other countries might.
Sean
--
Nnet Co. Ltd.
www.nnet.ad.jp
> Just to add some info.
> I think it's also only the official iMode content sites that require fees.
> These are the sites that automatically show up on your iMode menu.
> There are zillions of other iMode sites, that can be accessed with a URL,
> but they are not official sites. These are free to browse, but as a content
> provider, they have no additional revenue.
> I wonder if NTT Docomo still charges for the connection...
>
> But anyways, yeah, this does add up to quite a bit. And probably all the
> good sites aren't free, too. At least buying phones are almost free. I read
> somewhere that the fees for mobile phones are going to building more of
> those terminals to increase cells. That's means better connection for us,
> though.
>
> When 3G comes out i hear it will be waaay expensive, so maybe now it is
> actually cheaper than what it will become...???
> dunno
>
> Yuki
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Received on Wed Jul 5 12:19:35 2000