Analysts not surprised by DoCoMo recall of 3G handsets

As part of its very publicized third-generation (3G) wireless technology trial, NTT DoCoMo has decided it needs to replace all 1400 3G handsets in order to improve their functionality. The carrier maintains the recall is not due to any technical issue.

The N2001 phones manufactured by NEC that were distributed to users when DoCoMo’s trial began at the end of May reportedly will be replaced sometime in July.

Even though this type of action is common and acceptable during beta testing, the fact DoCoMo’s trial is in the public spotlight makes any glitch a possible news story, according to Phillip Redman, research director for Gartner Dataquest’s networking group. “This is the danger of being a beta tester,” he said, adding that he does not consider the decision to recall handsets “a big deal.”

According to news reports, users had been warned of the possibility of a recall or replacement. DoCoMo is expected to launch commercial 3G services on October 1.