Personal Handy-phone System

Modern PHS phone can also support many value-added services such as high speed wireless data/Internet connection (64 kbit/s and higher), WWW access, e-mailing, and text messaging.

PHS technology is also a popular option for providing a wireless local loop, where it is used for bridging the "last mile" gap between the POTS network and the subscriber's home.

Developed by NTT Laboratory in Japan in 1989 and far simpler to implement and deploy than competing systems like PDC or GSM, the commercial services were started by three PHS operators (NTT-Personal, DDI-Pocket, and ASTEL) in Japan in 1995, forming the PIAF (PHS Internet Access Forum).

However, the service was pejoratively dubbed as the "poor man's cellular", due to its limited range and roaming abilities.

In Thailand, TelecomAsia (now True Corporation) integrated the PHS system with Intelligent Network and marketed the service as Personal Communication Telephone (PCT).

With the popularity of other cellular phone services, the company shifted the focus of the PCT to a niche market segment of youths ages 10-18.

In Chile, Telefónica del Sur launched a PHS-based telephony service in some cities of the southern part of the country in March 2006.

The system was a runaway hit, with over 90 million subscribers signed up as of 2007[update]; the largest equipment vendors were UTStarcom and ZTE.