NTT DoCoMo to offer flat rate 3G

NTT DoCoMo announced that they will offer unlimited access to the 3G FOMA i-mode mobile internet service and i-mode mail for a flat monthly rate of 3,900 yen (US$37) for subscribers to the basic monthly plans FOMA Plan 67, FOMA Plan 100 and FOMA Plan 150 beginning 1 June 2004. In addition, they will also revise three FOMA packet plans by introducing more affordable plans for existing per-packet rates.

Applications for the plan, dubbed Pake-Houdai, will be accepted beginning 20 May 2004. An i-mode subscription, currently 150 yen per month or US$1.40, is also required.

The flat-rate plan will be available to users of all 3G FOMA handset models. The company warns that network congestion may affect transmission speeds for flat-rate users.

The rate does not cover other packet communications, such as browsing the web via devices connected to a DoCoMo 3G handset. Discount plans for basic monthly charges and voice communications (family, one year, and two-month carry over discount plans) will apply.

DoCoMo will revise three of their FOMA Packet Pack plans by introducing more affordable plans with up to 50% discounts for existing per-packet rates.