NTT DoCoMo, Inc. has announced that Japanese customers of its 3G FOMA-based WORLD CALL service will be able to exchange videophone calls with users of compatible 3G / W-CDMA services offered by Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) beginning 2 November 2004.

Users will simply dial 009130-010-61 or -65 and the local mobile number to place a videophone call to Singapore. The cost of a videophone call will be 54 yen per 10 seconds (US$0.50 per 10 seconds) to both destinations.

SingTel is currently offering 3G services on a trial basis, so DoCoMo customers initially will be able to place videophone calls to SingTel users participating in the trial.

FOMA customers in Japan can already place videophone calls to customers of Hutchison 3G UK in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.