NTT DoCoMo announced today that Japanese customers of its 3G FOMA-based WORLD CALL service will be able to exchange videophone calls with users of compatible 3G / W-CDMA services offered by SingTel beginning November 2, 2004.

Users will simply dial 009130-010-61 or -65 and the local mobile number to place a videophone call to Singapore. The cost of a videophone call will be 54 yen per 10 seconds (324 yen per minute) to both destinations.

SingTel is currently offering 3G services on a trial basis, so DoCoMo customers initially will be able to place videophone calls to SingTel users participating in the trial.

FOMA customers in Japan can already place videophone calls to customers of Hutchison 3G UK in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. DoCoMo will continue to expand its WORLD CALL videophone service by leveraging W-CDMA technology, an international standard for 3G mobile telecommunications.