NTT Docomo

NTT Docomo was founded on March 30, 1991 as a subsidiary of NTT, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, to manage cellular phone operations. The name 'Docomo' is officially an abbreviation of 'Do Communications Over the Mobile Network', and is also a play on the phrase 'dokomo' meaning 'everywhere' in Japanese. Since its inception, NTT Docomo has grown to become the largest mobile service provider in Japan, contributing significantly to the global mobile communications industry.

On June 23, 1999, NTT Docomo listed its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This marked a significant moment in the company's history as it transitioned from a wholly owned subsidiary of NTT to a publicly traded entity. The IPO was highly successful, with shares jumping significantly on debut. This move allowed NTT Docomo to raise capital to expand its business and invest in new technologies, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

NTT Docomo launched its innovative i-mode service on September 29, 2000. This mobile internet service allowed users to access a variety of internet services, including email, weather reports, online shopping, and more, directly from their cell phones. The introduction of i-mode was groundbreaking, as it delivered a mobile internet experience far ahead of its time, setting the stage for future mobile internet services worldwide.

On May 1, 2001, NTT Docomo launched its 3G network under the brand FOMA (Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access). This was one of the world's first 3G services and represented a major technological advancement for mobile communication, offering services such as video calling and mobile internet at faster speeds. The rollout of the 3G network placed NTT Docomo at the forefront of mobile technology innovation and set a new standard for the industry.

On November 1, 2004, NTT Docomo introduced the Osaifu-Keitai service, which was a system for mobile phones equipped with contactless payment technology using FeliCa, Sony's RFID smartcard technology. Osaifu-Keitai allowed users to make payments, store tickets, and use various ID functions wirelessly with their mobile devices. This innovation was among the earliest instances of mobile payment solutions and significantly influenced the development of similar technologies worldwide.

NTT Docomo launched the first Series60 smartphones in collaboration with Nokia on February 20, 2008. This marked NTT Docomo's entry into the smartphone market with devices that supported advanced capabilities such as high-speed internet, multimedia functions, and enhanced customization options. The Series60 smartphones were a pivotal step in the convergence of mobile phones and computing, paving the way for the smartphone revolution.

NTT Docomo launched Xi (pronounced 'crossy'), its LTE (Long Term Evolution) 4G service, on December 24, 2010. This service dramatically increased data speeds for mobile users, allowing for high-speed internet browsing, faster file downloads, and an improved overall mobile broadband experience. The deployment of LTE services represented a milestone in the telecommunications industry, reinforcing NTT Docomo's reputation as a pioneer in mobile network development.

In early 2013, NTT Docomo launched the 'Karada No Kimochi' health service, aiming to promote wellness and healthy living among its users. This service provided personalized health information and advice based on the users' preferences and health data. The introduction of this service illustrated NTT Docomo's strategic diversification of its offerings beyond traditional telecommunications, aligning with the growing global trend towards digital health solutions.

On September 5, 2018, NTT Docomo announced a strategic partnership with NEC to accelerate the development of 5G technologies. This collaboration aimed to leverage both companies' expertise to innovate and optimize the capabilities of 5G, preparing for its commercial rollout. Together, NTT Docomo and NEC focused on various use cases that 5G could enable, such as smart cities, automated vehicles, and advanced IoT (Internet of Things) solutions.

NTT announced on September 29, 2020, its plan to buy out the remaining shares of NTT Docomo and take the company private in a deal valued at approximately $40 billion. This move was aimed at strengthening the synergy between NTT and its subsidiary, enhancing their competitive position in Japan's telecommunications market amid rising competition and challenges from other global technology firms. The deal was one of the largest ever in Japan.