Handset Batteries

7 Dec 2006 07:47

NTT DoCoMo, Inc.07 December 2006 NTT DoCoMo, Inc. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation For Immediate Release NTT DoCoMo and Mitsubishi Electric Issue Advisory for D06 Batteries in D902i Handset TOKYO, JAPAN, December 7, 2006 --- NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and its eight regionalsubsidiaries and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced today that some D06series batteries manufactured through May 2006 and installed in DoCoMoFOMA(TM) D902i handsets could generate excessive heat and possibly ruptureduring charging if the batteries have been subjected to a strong externalimpact. The problem is due to deformed electrode plates installed in the batteries. Ifthe batteries are accidentally subjected to a strong external impact thatresults in a surface dent or similar depression, the deformed plates couldpierce the batteries' internal insulation, resulting in an electrical shortduring, or right after, charging. The companies estimate that some 1.3 million D06 series batteries weremanufactured through May 2006. The labels on these batteries bear one of thefollowing clearly marked three-letter codes: OKA, OLA, PAA, PBA, PCA, PDA orPEA. All D902i handsets owners will be directly mailed letters informing them thatthey will receive replacement batteries. Also, owners of D902iS and D903ihandsets, which may possibly be equipped with the defective D06 batteries, willbe directly mailed letters alerting them to check if their batteries bear any ofthe specified three-letter codes. Replacement batteries will then be sent tousers accordingly. Advisories will also be posted on the companies' websites, DoCoMo'si-mode(TM) portal site and in media advertisements. For more information, users in Japan may call 0120-800-000 (toll-free) or 151 or113 (from DoCoMo handsets) between 9 am and 8 pm (including Saturdays, Sundaysand holidays) effective today. To date, DoCoMo has confirmed that one D06 battery has ruptured due to theproblem. In addition, 17 other cases of D06 battery rupture or overheating havebeen reported. So far, DoCoMo has confirmed that in a number of these cases, themalfunctioning batteries had been subjected to extremely strong impact. Theother cases are still being investigated. Sales of the D902i, D902iS and D903i have been suspended for the time being. For further information, please contact: Masanori Goto or Eijun TanakaInternational PRPublic Relations DepartmentNTT DoCoMo, Inc.Tel: +81-3-5156-1366Fax: +81-3-5501-3408Website: www.nttdocomo.com/contact Travis WoodwardPublic Relations DepartmentMitsubishi Electric CorporationTel: +81-3-3218-3380Website: http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/news/ About NTT DoCoMoNTT DoCoMo is the world's leading mobile communications company. DoCoMo servesmore than 52 million customers, including 30 million people subscribing toFOMA(TM), launched as the world's first 3G mobile service based on W-CDMAin 2001. DoCoMo also offers a wide variety of leading-edge mobile multimediaservices, including i-mode(TM), the world's most popular mobile e-mail/Internet service, used by more than 47 million people. With the addition ofcredit-card and other e-wallet functions, DoCoMo mobile phones have becomehighly versatile tools for daily life. NTT DoCoMo is listed on the Tokyo (9437),London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. For more, visitwww.nttdocomo.com. About Mitsubishi Electric With over 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products toboth corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, MitsubishiElectric Corporation (TSE:6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture,marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in informationprocessing and communications, space development and satellite communications,consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and buildingequipment. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 3,410 billion yen(US$ 31.9billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more informationvisit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com *At an exchange rate of 107 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the TokyoForeign Exchange Market on March 31, 2005. i-mode and FOMA are trademarks or registered trademarks of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. inJapan and other countries. NTT DoCoMo's FOMA service is only available to subscribers in Japan. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange