# Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access

> Mobile network in Japan

**Wikidata**: [Q956685](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q956685)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_Mobile_Multimedia_Access)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freedom-of-mobile-multimedia-access

## Summary
Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access (FOMA) is a 3G mobile communication service launched by NTT Docomo in Japan. It was the world's first commercial 3G network, enabling high-speed data transmission and multimedia services on mobile devices.

## Key Facts
- Launched in 2001 as the world's first commercial 3G network
- Operated by NTT Docomo in Japan
- Based on W-CDMA technology
- Freebase ID: /m/02fqnf
- Wikipedia title: Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access
- Commons category: FOMA (NTT Docomo)
- Available in 10 Wikipedia languages including English, Japanese, German, and French
- Britannica Online ID: topic/FOMA
- Microsoft Academic ID: 1828471

### FAQs

### Q: What is FOMA and who provides it?
A: FOMA (Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access) is a 3G mobile communication service provided by NTT Docomo in Japan. It was the world's first commercial 3G network, launched in 2001.

### Q: What technology does FOMA use?
A: FOMA uses W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) technology, which is a 3G standard that allows for higher data transmission speeds compared to 2G networks.

### Q: Is FOMA still available today?
A: While FOMA was groundbreaking as the first 3G network, NTT Docomo has since upgraded its network infrastructure to support newer 4G LTE and 5G technologies. The original FOMA service has been phased out in favor of these more advanced networks.

## Why It Matters
FOMA represents a pivotal moment in mobile telecommunications history as the world's first commercial 3G network. Its launch in 2001 marked the beginning of the mobile internet era, enabling users to access data services, video calls, and multimedia content on their mobile devices at unprecedented speeds. This technological leap forward laid the groundwork for the smartphone revolution and transformed how people communicate, work, and consume media on the go. FOMA's success demonstrated the viability of 3G technology and spurred global adoption of 3G networks, ultimately leading to the development of even faster mobile data standards like 4G and 5G. The service's impact extends beyond Japan, influencing mobile network development worldwide and setting new standards for mobile multimedia experiences.

## Notable For
- World's first commercial 3G mobile network
- Pioneered high-speed mobile data services in Japan
- Enabled early mobile video calls and multimedia content
- Used W-CDMA technology, a precursor to modern 4G and 5G standards
- Served as a model for 3G network deployment globally

## Body
### Technical Specifications
FOMA operates on W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) technology, which is a 3G standard that allows for higher data transmission speeds compared to 2G networks. The service initially offered downlink speeds of up to 384 kbps and uplink speeds of up to 64 kbps, significantly faster than previous 2G technologies.

### Network Coverage and Expansion
NTT Docomo launched FOMA in October 2001, initially covering major metropolitan areas in Japan. The network expanded rapidly, with nationwide coverage achieved by 2003. This expansion allowed millions of Japanese consumers to access 3G services for the first time.

### Impact on Mobile Devices
The introduction of FOMA necessitated the development of new mobile devices capable of supporting 3G technology. This led to the creation of the first 3G-compatible phones, which featured larger screens, improved processing power, and the ability to handle multimedia content. These devices set the stage for the modern smartphone era.

### Service Offerings
FOMA enabled a range of new services beyond traditional voice calls, including:
- Video calling capabilities
- Mobile internet browsing
- Music and video downloads
- Location-based services
- Mobile email with attachments

These services transformed the mobile phone from a simple communication device into a multimedia platform.

### Legacy and Evolution
While FOMA was groundbreaking in its time, the rapid advancement of mobile technology has led to the development of newer, faster networks. NTT Docomo has since introduced 4G LTE and 5G services, which offer significantly higher speeds and lower latency. However, FOMA's legacy lives on in the continued evolution of mobile networks and the expectation of high-speed, always-on connectivity that it helped establish.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013