“Xi” Is Japan's First LTE Service, 4G Network Scheduled for December

NTT DoCoMo, one of the major Japanese carriers, has just announced the launch of the “Xi” service based on LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology, which is set to be available starting December 24th.

“Xi” (read “Crossy”) is Japan’s first wireless connectivity service based on the LTE, the latest standard in the mobile network technology.

Along with the launch of the LTE service, the carrier also released two data terminals for the Xi-brand, L-02C and F-06C. While the first will be available in December, when the LTE network will be available, the latter will be available in April 2011.

L-02C is an USB data terminal for Xi LTE service, offering high-performance mobile gaming and video streaming at extra-fast optical-fiber-like speeds.

F-06C is one of the world’s first ExpressCard-type terminals for LTE, which enables mobile video streaming and live video conferencing at speeds similar to optical-fiber connection.

The carrier stated that the new Xi service will enable data communication at a maximum downlink speed of 75 Mbps. According to NTT DoCoMo, this is ten times faster than the carrier's current FOMA 3G service.

Even though the LTE network is scheduled for a December release, voice calls using Xi will only be possible sometime in April 2011, when the carrier is planning to start launching LTE-compatible mobile phones.

Initially, the Xi service will only be available in the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka areas, while other major cities and regions will be added in the near future.

Furthermore, there are two data-only billing plans which will be offered at launch: “Xi Data Plan Ninen”, which requires a two-year contract and costs between 1,000 yen ($12 USD) and 6,510 yen ($80 USD) yen and “Xi Data Plan”, which will offer unlimited data for only 4,935 yen ($61 USD) as a promotional offer until April 2012.

Additional information regarding billing plans for Xi voice services will be announced later on.