Environmental Sensor Network Business to be launched by DOCOMO

Japanese operator DoCoMo has announced that beginning December 21 it will launch the trial operation of a network of environmental sensors that measure pollen, carbon dioxide (CO2), ultraviolet (UV) sunlight and other atmospheric conditions (see graphic below) that can affect human health and daily life.

DOCOMO will provide the data to companies for use in various commercial applications, such as weather forecasting and other information services, as well as to pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions and municipal governments for a variety of other purposes.

The network of sensors, the largest and densest of its kind in Japan, reflects DOCOMO's ongoing efforts to leverage its mobile network and facilities to create new value in sectors including environmental protection, safety, security and healthcare. The network will take advantage of DOCOMO's existing mobile network covering virtually the entire nation, including both urban and rural areas.

By the start of the trial, DOCOMO will have installed sets of environmental sensors in 300 locations within the Kanto region surrounding Tokyo and bordering Shizuoka Prefecture. The network is expected to be expanded to 2,500 locations nationwide within fiscal 2010 (ends March 2011) and then eventually to 9,000 locations.

Initially the network will offer data on pollen, followed later by data on CO2, UV and other atmospheric conditions that will be offered in cooperation with companies specialized in such fields.