International News

(Telecompaper) Japanese mobile operator NTT Docomo has unveiled a new brand and logo for its upcoming LTE services and a new corporate vision. The LTE brand name is written "Xi" and read as "crossy." Docomo says the The 'X' denotes both 'connection' and 'infinite possibility', and the 'i' both 'individual user' and 'innovation'. Docomo's Xi LTE service, which is scheduled for launch in December, will offer downlinks of up to 75 Mbps. Initially, Xi will be available in the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka areas, but coverage eventually will be expanded to other major cities and then additional areas of the nation. Xi users will be seamlessly handed over to the Foma network whenever they leave a Xi service area. Xi handsets, billing plans and other details will be announced later. The new corporate vision has been dubbed "Pursuing Smart Innovation: HEART" and seeks to achieve new growth by delivering new value to customers. For the past 10 years, the operator implemented its Vision 2010 corporate vision to create a new communications culture by delivering diverse services and enhanced value to customers and society. Under its new vision Docomo intends to use its innovation efforts to align its continued growth with the challenges and opportunities of the next 10 years, including accelerating globalisation, environmental protection, and the increasing spread of broadband. The company expects to partner with a broad range of companies to drive innovation.