Eight wireless carriers that currently offer content services using DoCoMo’s i-mode platform have announced joint procurement for i-mode handsets to improve their negotiating position with phonemakers. The carriers have first procured LG Electronics’ L342i handset. They are Germany’s E-Plus Mobilfunk, KPN Mobile in the Netherlands, Taiwan’s Far EasTone Telecommunications, Base in Belgium, Bouygues Telecom in France, Italy’s Wind, Greece’s Cosmote and Telstra in Australia. Four other carriers that have signed i-mode license agreements but that have not yet launched service will participate in upcoming joint procurement activities, DoCoMo said. The number of i-mode subscribers outside Japan has reached 5m, raising total i-mode subscribers to about 50m worldwide.