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| Press Release |
July
23, 1999 |
| Simultaneous
Nationwide Launch of 64 kbps Data Communications Service
on July 30 |
In conjunction
with the launch of their new 64kbps data communications
service, the DDI POCKET TELEPHONE Group companies today
notified the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications
of charges and other conditions.The service is due to
be launched simultaneously in every region of Japan on
Friday, July 30.
Work on the standardization of PHS 64 kbps data communications
has been under way since1998 under the auspices of PIAF
(PHS Internet Access Forum). The DDI POCKET TELEPHONE
Group will provide the 64 kbps service, using a "best
effort" approach based on the PIAFS 2.1 standard.
The current data communications charges will be applied.
Protocol converters will be installed to facilitate connection
to providers who do not yet support "best effort" PHS
64kbps data communications.
Calls made via a protocol converter will be subject to
an additional charge of 5 yen per minute but this additional
charge will be waived until January 31, 2000.
The launch of this 64kbps data communications service
will enable us to provide low-price data communications
at speeds comparable to those offered by ISDN, in a mobile
environment. We believe it will encourage diversification
in the uses of mobile computing, including Web searches
and transmission of images over the Internet.
Special PHS handsets and data communications cards will
be needed in order to use the 64kbps data communications
service (see below). |
| Overview of 64kbps Data
Communications Service |
| 1. How the 64kbps Data
Communications Service Works |
Under the PHS system, 64kbps
data communication is achieved by the simultaneous use
of two of the 32kbps data communication channels currently
provided.
The "best effort" method used by the DDI POCKET TELEPHONE
Group in providing PHS 64kbps data communications offers
high-speed, stable connections.
Basically, connections are made at 64kbps but, where traffic
is heavy and it is not possible to secure two lines, for
instance during peak hours or in downtown areas, connections
are initially made using a single line (at 32kbps) and
are upgraded to 64kbps as soon as a second line becomes
available.
Should one of the two lines be disconnected, for instance
when the user is on the move, the system gives priority
to securing communication and maintains a 32kbps connection,
which is upgraded to 64kbps as soon as a second line becomes
available.
This "best effort" method not only achieves the high speed
of 64kbps but also emphasizes continuity of communication
and provides a stable data communications environment. |
| There are two basic connections
to use the service: |
| (1) |
Direction
connections to provider access points. |
| (2) |
If the provider
does not support the "best effort" method, the connection
to the provider will be made via a DDI Pocket protocol
converter. |
| Current data communications
charges will apply. If the connection is made via a protocol
converter, regardless of distance to the protocol converter
and time of day, a charge of 5 yen per minute will be
added to the data communications charge that would apply
if the connection were made directly to the provider access
point. This extra charge will be waived until January
31, 2000. |
| All PHS handsets and data
communications cards compatible with DDI Pocket's 64kbps
data communications service to be introduced by communications
equipment manufacturers will carry the "α-DATA64"
mark.Note that "α-DATA64" incorporates all the functions
of "α-DATA32". |
| The service is due to be
launched on Friday, July 30, 1999. |
| Scheduled for launch on
December 16, 2003 (Tuesday). |
 Usage Scenarios |
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