Riding Broadband Wave, Japan Extends Wireless, IP Technologies

摘要

As the number of mobile phone subscribers grows slowly but steadily around the world, the market for mobile phones is shifting to so-called third-generation products. Mobile phones equipped with cameras and with technologies for connecting to the Internet first appeared in Japan. These are now starting to become popular worldwide. In the area of fixed telephones, IP (Internet Protocol) telephone systems, which enable telephone connections at lower costs or for free, are taking off. Even large-scale carriers are moving to offer services based on these systems. In the area of wireless communications, digital technologies are fast taking the place of analog technologies, making it possible for taxi, police and fire department radio systems to handle both sound and data transmissions. The IPv6 system, which can accommodate an almost unlimited number of IP addresses, is spreading fast.