Streaming delay on DoCoMo 3G

DoCoMo is predicting serious delays to the video streaming capability on its third-generation FOMA 3G service. Although it has developed a streaming platform specifically for FOMA with PacketVideo, the functionality expected to be the biggest hit with consumers has been pushed back.

Keiji Tachikawa, DoCoMo president, said certain handset functions required for music and video services would not be available by October. He added that the connection time for video streaming services would be 'very long -- so this is a problem.'

This announcement is the latest in a long line of statements from the leading operators and analysts suggesting a collapsing business case for third-generation wireless services. The price of handsets, data connections and content have all contributed to market pessimism over the value of 3G.

Wireless LANs, Bluetooth and GPRS have all been touted as 3G-killers, as they all offer connection speeds fast enough to deliver streaming video, generally regarded as the holy grail of future mobile services. Operators fought to sign deals with TV stations and media companies ensuring they owned compelling enough content to offer to their subscribers at higher rates for data transfer.

This is another blow for an industry that has so far looked to Japan for guidance in the technology, infrastructure and marketing challenges in kick-starting the leading-edge m-commerce services.