Motorola mulls i-mode

i-mode was given a boost at trade show Cebit as Motorola hinted it was considering plans to make handsets for Europe based on the mobile internet technology.

The service, originally established by NTT Docomo in Japan, already has 30 million subscribers over the past three years.

Up until now only Japanese handset makers have supplied mobiles for i-mode. The move could put pressure on other handset makers, such as Nokia and Ericsson, to announce similar plans.

The mobile internet service made its first appearance in Europe at the show, with NEC showing off a couple of phones on its stand. Motorola said it was asked to join the party by Dutch and US associates of NTT Docomo.

"They asked us to put i-mode features into the handsets," said Ronald Garriques, Motorola's mobile phone chief. "We are willing to work with them but no decisions have been made yet."

Already, Germany's third biggest mobile phone operator, E-Plus, has launched i-mode, with Mitsubishi and Toshiba supplying handsets this summer.

The phones offer new features, such as fast internet connectivity, built-in webcams and colour screens.