Sources tell us that later this week when Sony officially announces the new PlayStation Portable 2 (PSP2) that it will offer 3G data support. The 3G cellular support will enable downloads for content as well as video, and enable multiplayer via 3G.
What sources don’t seem clear about is if this will be a Japanese only 3G option provided in conjunction with NTT DoCoMo in Japan, or whether Sony has already lined up additional carriers outside of Japan, as well. While the PSP2 will support 3G, it will not be able to make calls; it is strictly 3G data only support. It is unclear yet how the billing will work and what the associated costs will be.
In addition, sources tell us that it is possible that Sony could elect to offer a Wi-Fi only version of the PSP2. While this does seem to make sense we find it hard to believe that Sony would elect to offer two SKUs; but it is possible that the 3G version could have an associated cell contract with it for data, making it necessary to also to offer a Wi-Fi version in some regions. We will have to see how things shake out when Sony gives up the details later this week.