Japan’s First LTE Service 'Xi' announced by DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO has announced its launch of Xi (read “Crossy”), Japan’s first wireless connectivity service based on the extra-high-speed technology, Long Term Evolution (LTE), scheduled on December 24, 2010. Xi will enable mobile data communication at a maximum downlink speed of 75 Mbps, or about ten times as fast as DOCOMO’s current FOMA 3G service. DOCOMO initially will sell Xi data terminals for connection to mobile computers, beginning with the USB-type L-02C.

L-02C is an USB data terminal for Xi LTE service for high-performance mobile gaming and video streaming at extra-fast optical-fiber-like speeds.

Voice calls using Xi will become possible sometime within the fiscal year starting in April 2011, when DOCOMO will begin launching LTE-compatible mobile phones. In April 2011, we will see the availability of the F-06C, dubbed as the “world’s first ExpressCard-type terminal for LTE, enabling mobile video streaming and live video conferencing at speeds similar to optical-fiber connection.

Xi service initially will be available in the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka areas, with other major cities and regions to be added thereafter. At launch, two data-only billing plans will be offered: “Xi Data Plan Ninen” and “Xi Data Plan.” Xi Data Plan Ninen, which will require a two-year contract, is a highly affordable plan costing between 1,000 and 6,510 yen (including tax) for up to 5 gigabytes (GB) of data per month. Over 5 GB, 2,625 yen (including tax) will be charged for each 2 GB (details about both plans are attached).

As a special introductory offer, the maximum monthly charge for unlimited data using Xi Data Plan Ninen will be 4,935 yen (including tax) through April 2012.

Billing plans for Xi voice services will be announced later.