O2 to offer new data service next summer

O2 Ireland will introduce a new technology platform from next summer to deliver video and multimedia content to consumers, writes Jamie Smyth, Technology Reporter

The mobile phone technology, branded i-mode, was developed by the firm NTT DoCoMo and has enjoyed phenomenal success in Japan.

The five-year-old i-mode service offers consumers an always-on internet service that allows users to send email, chat, play games, download ring tones and access multimedia content.

Many analysts believe the technology, which is very easy to use, was a key factor helping NTT DoCoMo to boost the use of data services among mobile phone subscribers in Japan.

MmO2 said the introduction of the technology underlined its commitment to increasing revenues from data services by offering phones it described as simple to use, fast and intuitive.