NTT DoCoMo announced on July 13 that the company will launch its mobile phone network based on LTE (Long-Term Evolution) or fourth-generation technology in 2010, the Financial Times reported on July 12, quoting company President Ryuji Yamada. In addition, DoCoMo also stated mobile phones based on such technology will be available in 2011, which are also compatible with its current 3G technology, according to the same source. Unlike its 3G services, which initially were only available in Japanese major cities, DoCoMo is set to launch pan-Japan 4G services, allowing its subscribers to access both 3G and 4G services in 2010 throughout Japan.

Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to drive new revenue from mobile content services, DoCoMo recently acquired a 35% stake in US-based mobile video company, PacketVideo, DoCoMo's business partner since 1998, Reuters reported on July 5. DoCoMo stated that it would earmark US$45.4 million for the acquisition in a bid to strengthen its music and video services before the commercialization of its LTE services.