Japan : NTT DOCOMO and KT Freetel announced they will jointly procure a 3G handset model from LG Electronics, Inc.

The handset is LG's WINE model ( left ), which was selected by both companies as an ideal choice for users seeking a simple and easy-to-use, yet stylish, handset. DOCOMO will sell the handset as the FOMA L706ie in Japan from August, while KTF plans to introduce the model in South Korea from September.

The project is one of the joint efforts realized by the Business & Technology Cooperation Committee, which was established by DOCOMO and KTF to co-develop business opportunities by fusing technical and marketing expertise as world-leading providers of mobile services, as well as to seek cost-saving opportunities, such as the development of standard specifications for common equipment.

This is the two companies' second joint procurement, following an HSDPA data terminal released last year as the A2502 HSDPA by DOCOMO and the ADU-620WK by KTF. DOCOMO and KTF will continue to explore joint-procurement opportunities to reduce handset procurement costs, and thereby increase competitiveness and improve customer satisfaction in their respective markets.