Tokyo, Feb 20, 2013 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC., Japan's leading mobile operator and provider of integrated services centered on mobility, announced today that it is conducting a field trial of a new online-to-offline (O2O) shop-discovery and check-in platform called "Shoppulatto." The half-year trial began today mainly in metropolitan Tokyo.

The platform for brick-and-mortar stores sends promotional information to smartphones installed with a dedicated app. Information is only sent to people who are near a store, based on their phone's location information. The app enables users to selectively view information about sales, coupon offers, etc. from specific stores.

If a user enters one of the stores, an inaudible high-frequency sound signal transmitted inside the store activates the app's check-in feature. The user then receives coupons or other promotions that have been tailored to their age, gender and so on.

The high-frequency sound signal is transmitted by a simple device installed in the store. Numerous devices can be installed in one store, such as one at the entrance to handle the check-in process and others at various sales points to encourage customers to walk around to receive coupons and promotions. Each device is connected to a server for data processing.

DOCOMO's O2O platform also functions as a marketing tool by creating a database on store visitors, including gender, age, area of residence and so on.

The trial will end on August 31. Approximately 170 stores are participating at present and more are expected to join. Smartphones require Android(TM) OS 2.3, 4.0, 4.1 or iOS 5.0 or higher to use the app, which can be downloaded from Google Play or App StoreSM. Usage is free, except for packet communication charges.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO is a world-leading mobile operator and growing provider of comprehensive services centered on mobility. The company serves over 60 million customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit www.nttdocomo.com for more information.



Source: NTT DOCOMO

Contact:

Eijun Tanaka or So Hiroki
International PR
Public Relations Department
Tel: +81-3-5156-1366
Fax: +81-3-5501-3408
Website: www.nttdocomo.com

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