Replies to post #139191 on InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[mschere]

OLD POST

Posted by: mschere
In reply to: olddog967 who wrote msg# 129663 Date:10/20/2005 4:59:05 PM
Post #of 139188

I believe Sharp is paying IDCC for their PAS/PHS sales..Kyocera is a Partner IN Willcom..and Sharp is supplying Willcom..

Japan's Willcom unveils smart phone
Thu Oct 20, 2005 09:47 AM BST

TOKYO (Reuters) - Willcom Inc., a Japanese low-cost wireless telephone service provider, unveiled on Thursday a smart phone by Sharp Corp. (6753.T: Quote, Profile, Research) that combines handheld computer functions with a phone.

The device, called W-ZERO3, is the first phone in Japan powered by Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Widows Mobile operating system.

It comes with a sliding keyboard that allow users to send and receive lengthy e-mail messages as well as surf the Web and perform other data functions.

It is also compatible with both Willcom's wireless network as well as long-distance provider NTT Communications Corp.'s WiFi network, which gives users high-speed Internet access.

Willcom, owned by U.S. investment fund Carlyle Group and Japanese electronics conglomerate Kyocera Corp. (6971.T: Quote, Profile, Research) , is Japan's largest wireless provider using a technology known as personal handyphone system (PHS), which covers a smaller area than standard cellphone networks but at a lower cost.

The company has been reinventing itself to overcome PHS's cheap, low-quality image.

Willcom said it was aiming the phone at the estimated 27 million Japanese consumers, who prefer high-end multi-function phones.

The company said it expected to begin selling the phone in December at less than 50,000 yen.

It expects to ship about 100,000 units initially through the end of the business year.

© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved
DJ KDDI Logs Biggest Net '05 Gain In Cell Subscribers -Nikkei

TOKYO (Nikkei)--KDDI Corp.'s (9433.TO) au mobile phone service secured the most subscribers on a net basis in 2005, retaining the top spot for a second straight year on the strength of its handsets and service plans, The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported in its Thursday morning edition.
According to Telecommunications Carriers Association figures released Wednesday, au logged net growth of 2.81 million subscribers, while NTT DoCoMo Inc. (9437.TO) gained 2.45 million. Vodafone KK - which was slow to provide 3G (third-generation) services - saw its first net decline, falling by 43,300.
Willcom Inc.'s flat-rate plan drew new subscribers, with the leading personal handyphone system service provider reporting a net gain of 694,800 - up 20% from 2004.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
01-11-06 1542ET