DoCoMo reaches lower 3G target
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The latest in mobile phones in Japan is this wristphone.
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TOKYO, Tokyo (Reuters) -- Japan's NTT DoCoMo said on Friday it had achieved a lowered target of 320,000 subscribers for its high-speed third-generation (3G) mobile phone service by March.
Its subscriber push was helped by advanced handsets and an expanded coverage area.
DoCoMo, Japan's largest mobile phone operator with a 58 percent share in the domestic market, said the exact number of its 3G users at March 31 was not yet clear, although it is certain that subscribers exceeded 320,000.
Last November DoCoMo cut its 3G subscriber target from 1.38 million due to slow uptake.
DoCoMo's 3G service, which offers video conferencing and speedy Web access, until recently met a cool reception due to poor battery life, limited coverage area and expensive handsets.
But demand showed signs of picking up after the company earlier this year launched three new 3G handsets with longer battery life.
DoCoMo was also active in expanding its coverage area.
Its 3G network covered 91 percent of Japan's population by the end of March, up from 82 percent late last year.
Shares in DoCoMo are up 0.43 percent at 234,000 yen in late afternoon trade. That compares with a gain of 0.65 percent for the Nikkei 225 average.
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