NTT DoCoMo cancels "i-mode" deal with Hutchison Essar

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

TOKYO (AFP) — Japanese mobile phone giant NTT DoCoMo said Monday it had cancelled a contract with Indian operator Hutchison Essar to provide its "i-mode" mobile Internet service in India.

DoCoMo's move followed the Indian government approval late last month of British Vodafone Group PLC's plan to buy Hutchison Essar.

DoCoMo and Hutchison Essar signed an agreement last December on the licensing of the "i-mode" mobile Internet service in India by the end of 2007.

"Due to the changes in business environment, both companies concluded that it would be difficult to launch i-mode service at this time and agreed not to proceed," DoCoMo said in a press release.

© 2007 AFP