Personal Handy-phone System (PHS) service was launched in Japan on July 1, 1995. At present, PHS service is mainly being used for voice communications, but its inherent transmission capacity of 32 kbps makes it a promising future medium for data communications as well. The 32 kbps bearer communications function of PHS is scheduled to be standardized this year. There is also a need to proceed with the development of transmission systems for data communications.
Therefore, the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB) has established the PHS Internet Access Forum to promote the development of transmission systems supporting access to the Internet via PHS and to foster the penetration of PHS service for multimedia communications. An inaugural meeting was held on October 18 to set up the Forum.