NTT DoCoMo would develop Linux-based software for mobile phones with Access in a move that could help open up Japan's wireless market, a Reuters report said.
The Reuters report said DoCoMo and software maker Access plan to develop new middleware and other software compatible with that used overseas.
The move would make it easier for Japanese handset makers to venture abroad and lower costs for overseas makers tackling Japan's market, DoCoMo said in a statement.
DoCoMo handset suppliers such as NEC, Matsushita Electric Industrial and Fujitsu now foot the high cost of developing software specifically for DoCoMo's unique operating system, the report said.
Handset makers have blamed such costs for restricting their ability to take risk abroad, handing global leadership to overseas giants such as Nokia and Samsung Electronics.
DoCoMo said it is also considering developing software that would run on British mobile software group Symbian's operating system, the Reuters report further said.