NTT DoCoMo develops prototype micro fuel cell for FOMA handsets

NTT DoCoMo announced the joint development of a prototype micro fuel cell for
3G FOMA handsets. The prototype, manufactured by Fujitsu Laboratories, is
expected to greatly extend FOMA handset usage time once it goes into commercial
production. The micro fuel cell is aimed at meeting user demands for more
convenient handsets with greater power capacity, as well as reduced
environmental impact.

Power consumption demands are rising as FOMA users take advantage of new
services and handset features, including flat-rate monthly billing for data
services, such as i-motion and i-appli, and videophone. DoCoMo is addressing
this issue in part by increasing the capacity of its lithium-ion batteries, the
most commonly used battery in handsets today.

The
micro fuel cell is a standalone device shaped like a cradle for recharging
handsets. It generates electric power by combining hydrogen and cheap,
environmentally harmless methanol to produce a chemical reaction. Hydrogen ions
are extracted from the air via a layer sandwiched between positive and negative
electrodes.

The prototype has the same basic specifications of other FOMA handset
rechargers and will be compatible with all FOMA handsets. Further development of
the prototype is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2005.

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