DoCoMo still firm on May 3G launch

DoCoMo is firm that it will go forward with the planned 3G launch

In this story: An "introductory" service ready by May Shares hit by 3G delay reports RELATED STORIES, SITES

By CNN's Kristie Lu Stout

TOKYO, Japan (CNN) -- NTT DoCoMo is firm that it will start third-generation mobile services at the end of May, despite reports of a launch delay.

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported Tuesday that the Japanese mobile giant had been hit with technical problems, forcing it to push back its planned roll out of 3G cellular services from May to October.

"The report is wrong," NTT DoCoMo spokesperson Yuichiro Pat Kuwahata told CNN. "DoCoMo will never delay, and never postpone the 3G service."

DoCoMo told CNN that its 3G network -- including base stations, switch stations, and handsets -- will be ready for the scheduled launch on May 30.

An "introductory" service ready by May

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Though the mobile operator has uncovered bugs during software testing, DoCoMo is resolute that it will go forward with the planned 3G launch.

"However, the type of service will be changed from the commercial service into an introductory service," says Kuwahata.

With the introductory service, only communication fees would be charged to 3G service subscribers. Terminal charges and basic fees would be excluded.

The commercial service will be ready by October.

Shares hit by 3G delay reports

DoCoMo, which has taken the lead in setting 3G standards, would become the world's first operator to unveil third-generation cellular service with its May 30 launch date.

The operator has invested substantially towards being first in the market with a global spending spree of $15.17 billion.

Tokyo stocks fell Tuesday after reports of a delay in the launch of the 3G mobile services, sending the Nikkei down 1.36 percent by midday.

NTT DoCoMo ended the morning down 4.76 percent at 2.4 million yen after rebounding from a low of 2.32 million yen.

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