[J-Phone to launch 3G service, Vodafone Global Standard, on December 20 offering 3GPP-compliant voice, high-speed data and videotelephony functions.]

Tokyo -- J-PHONE Co., Ltd. announced today the launch of Vodafone Global Standard on December 20 to offer customers in Japan unprecedented access to mobile services at home and abroad. This Third Generation ("3G") service is based on international Third Generation Partnership Project ("3GPP") standards and represents a new concept for customers in Japan. By using Universal Subscriber Identity Module ("USIM1 ") cards, Vodafone Global Standard users will be able to roam internationally with the convenience of using the same J-PHONE number as they do at home.

From June 2002, J-PHONE began conducting 3G trial services in the Tokyo Metropolitan area to test networks and handsets under actual conditions. Now that stability and customer convenience have been assured, J-PHONE is ready to launch a fully commercialized 3G service.

Beginning December 20, J-PHONE's Vodafone Global Standard service will offer 3GPP-compliant high-quality voice telephony, high-speed data communications and videotelephony functions with coverage initially available in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and major cities nationwide. In the initial phase of service, three 3GPP 3G handsets will be rolled out, including the V-N701, a 3G (W-CDMA)/GSM dual mode handset.

Utilizing its membership in the Vodafone Group to the greatest extent, J-PHONE has approached numerous mobile operators outside Japan to provide Vodafone Global Standard users with seamless international connectivity. As a result of these initiatives, on December 20 customers will be able to roam in approximately 50 countries and regions, a figure that represents approximately 89% of destinations visited by Japanese residents. By the end of January 2003, approximately 98%2 coverage is planned in approximately 63 countries and regions. When roaming abroad, Vodafone Global Standard users will also benefit from highly affordable call rates compared to other carriers and Japan's first international short message service ("SMS").

Darryl E. Green, President of J-PHONE said, "With Vodafone Global Standard, J-PHONE is bringing to market a superior 3G service fully compatible with international standards. As a member of the Vodafone Group, the world's largest mobile community, we are now better positioned than ever to enrich our customers' lives by offering new and truly global communication options."

While providing these expanded international services, J-PHONE is working to bring additional high-quality data services and mobile internet offerings similar to those found on its 2G (PDC) J-SKY service to Vodafone Global Standard users at the earliest possible time.

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