DoCoMo only has access to some Symbian code

I'd like to share some facts that would change the tone of your article: - Dual Wi-Fi, 3G phone ships in Japan. (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=19683).

NEC is not a Symbian OS licensee - therefore to insinuate that Linux was chosen over Symbian OS by NEC and DoCoMo is incorrect. In addition, you may notice that DoCoMo rarely describes which manufacturer has built a FOMA [3G] phone, and even more rarely, what OS it's based on. I understand your conclusion, but the insinuations you used are, in fact, misleading.

Anatolie Papas, Global PR manager, Symbian

The INQ replies:

Perhaps you like to clear something up, then? Why does NEC need a licence for Symbian when DoCoMo has carte blanche to do what it likes with Symbian code? Perhaps you are unaware of how the Japanese market works? DoCoMo orders the phones. The manufacturers make them. Therefore, it is DoCoMo who has the ultimate decision: - Symbian or Linux? We think that point is made pretty clear. "Japan's NTT DoCoMo is, of course, a major supporter of Symbian."

Papas replies:

True that DoCoMo has access to some of Symbian OS code. Also true that DoCoMo has great decision power in its market. The agreement that Symbian has with DoCoMo has doesn't mean that every handset manufacturer that works with DoCoMo can build a Symbian OS phone. [Oh, really - Ed?] The handset manufacturer must have a Customisation Kit License to develop on Symbian OS. Currently, where FOMA is concerned, Fujitsu has a CKL with Symbian. Clearly Symbian's aim is that all handset manufacturers that develop FOMA phones, develop for Symbian OS. I do understand your point that DoCoMo chose NEC and Linux for its Wi-Fi/3G phone, but the tone and proofpoints are misleading.

The INQ says:

We're glad you've cleared that up.µ