Japan's NTT Docomo has announced a new program aimed at fostering collaboration among IoT network service providers in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Docomo Asia IoT Program will seek to enhance connectivity, operational support and consultation on certification and regulation for IoT solutions, which will require close collaboration with local mobile operators.
With the initiative, Docomo aims to strengthen its own Globiot global IoT offering.
Mobile operators from 15 countries across Asia-Pacific - including multiple operators from each country - have expressed an intention to participate in the program, Docomo said.
The list of Countries and regions with mobile operators participating in the program comprises Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
During the first meeting of the program late last month, participating operators shared the status of their respective local IoT markets and highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced in the development of IoT services across the Asian region.
The new program will complement Docomo's existing 5G Open Partner Program, which was established in January. Docomo said it remains dedicated to broadening its partner base across Asia-Pacific to support its corporate customers' IoT business expansion.