Streaming video talk of Tokyo

While Europe battles to understand second-generation (2G) telecoms, the Japanese have today launched their FOMA service, a 3G network capable of streaming audio and video, high-speed internet access and simultaneous voice and data. But how long will it take people to catch on?

On paper, the FOMA service looks spectacular. With a maximum downlink speed of 384 kbps and the promise of fold-out phone-based video cameras, streaming video clips and unprecedented sound quality, the adoption of the 3G service should be quick. But with doubts over the reality of data speeds, delays and faults in the streaming technology and the fact that, for now, the service only works if you are within a 30 mile radius of Tokyo, FOMA owners NTT DoCoMo are not expecting a rapid uptake in the first year.

But what could the launch of the FOMA service (and the fact that they beat BT-owned Manx Telecom to a 3G launch) mean for the European telecoms market? It has been on the cards now for over a year that DoCoMo is aiming at invading European shores with a version of its massively popular i-mode mobile internet service. With a successful business plan (ie. Spend money on content) and the correct attitude towards its customers (ie. Spend money on content) it had the European operators quaking in their boots at the thought of a full-scale network-level war.

And now its 3G service has hit the streets, is there anything to stop DoCoMo?