i-mode is a mobile phone internet connectivity service introduced by NTT DoCoMo in 1999. It uses a packet switching protocol and Compact Wireless Markup Language. It offers services such as email, stock exchange, sports scores, and internet connectivity. It has a pricing structure that charges for the use of the service and data sent and received. It is prevalent in Japan with 48 million subscribers, but has been phased out in many European markets. Experts believe devices using TCP/IP connectivity will eventually conquer the market.
The term i-mode refers to an Internet connectivity service for mobile phones that was introduced by the Japanese company NTT DoCoMo in 1999. It is somewhat unique in the field of mobile device technology in that it does not use the Wireless Application Protocol ( WAP) like most other mobile devices, but instead uses a packet switching protocol, similar to that used by landline connections. The main protocol it uses is an adapted form of Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) called Compact Wireless Markup Language (CWML). It also uses two of its own protocols known as ALP and TLP, which act similar to HTTP and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) respectively.
The i-mode service, although it uses a different protocol to connect, works similar to WAP-enabled services. It has access to many services such as email, stock exchange services, sports scores, telephone banking and general internet connectivity. A disadvantage of both WAP and i-mode is that the services offered must go through a conversion process and are converted in advance for specific use with a compatible device, or the services are passed through larger gateways which convert them before reach the user. Cell phones and other portable devices that function more like a personal computer (PC) don’t have this problem and instead connect directly to the source.
Another possible drawback is the pricing structure. The i-mode service is charged for the use of the service as well as a fee for the data sent and received. Other services that use the PC communication model usually charge a flat fee. While the fee structure allows NTT DoCoMo to have more control over its billing, the consumer typically pays less in a flat fee structure.
Despite possible drawbacks, the use of i-mode is still prevalent in Japan. As of 2008, NTT DoCoMo reported that it had 48 million subscribers, up from its approximately 5.6 million in 2000. There was concern that originally there would be a conflict between WAP and i-mode services, but this it didn’t go well.
While the use of i-mode is mainly in Japan, it has users in other countries as well. Over time, the service has been phased out from many of the European markets. However, several Asian markets continue to use the service. Despite this continued use, many experts, including the inventor of i-mode, have said they believe devices that use TCP/IP connectivity, the same protocol used by PCs, will eventually conquer the market because they require less adaptability.
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