DoCoMo Fires Up Satellite

TOKYO -- NTT DoCoMo, Inc. announced today that its third communications satellite, N-STAR c, began operating on September 14, 2002. N-STAR c was successfully launched on July 6, 2002 (Japan Standard Time), by Arianespace, the European space transportation company, from its launch site in French Guiana. The satellite underwent orbital testing to verify that it is functioning satisfactorily, and NTT DoCoMo confirmed that the craft was ready to start communications services. DoCoMo has been operating two satellites, N-STAR a and N-STAR b, providing satellite mobile communications services. N-STAR c will serve to ensure the continuation of the company's high-quality mobile communications services. NTT DoCoMo Inc.