Japan Communications Inc. (JCI), a Japanese PHS MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), has launched a new service package, “Ubiquitous Radio All-in-One Package”, consisting of a “Ubiquitous Radio” service enabling PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) to read out a newspaper article etc., a dedicated PDA, PHS data communications card and one year flat-rate PHS data communications service subscription. The “Ubiquitous Radio” service is provided by NetinKyoto Corporation.

   In the “Ubiquitous Radio” service system, the PDA downloads articles posted newspaper publishing company websites and reproduces them in easily audible and visible form to support visually-handicapped persons.
   Formerly, users were required to purchase a dedicated PDA and to have a separate subscription for this service. The new service offers a package with a PDA pre-installed with “Ubiquitous Radio” browser software and a one year flat-rate data communications service subscription so that the users can enjoy the service on the same day they purchase the package without a care of any additional payments.
   In addition to newspaper articles, health information, medical information and literary works etc. are available.

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