NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest mobile phone operator, is reportedly prepared to open up part of its network to rival companies to help them kickstart services that will increase competition in the already saturated domestic market. Negotiations with new entrants have reportedly begun. Such an arrangement would, however, be temporary and would depend on DoCoMo securing reasonable fees for the use of its network. Moreover, new entrants would not be allowed to use DoCoMo’s network in major cities, and roaming services would have to be restricted to outlying areas of the country where it is difficult for new entrants to put up base stations immediately.
