China Mobile, Vodafone team on mobile internet
The world’s two largest mobile operators – China Mobile and Vodafone – are teaming with Japan’s Softbank to establish a Joint Innovation Lab (JIL) aimed at accelerating the commercial deployment of mobile internet services.
Japan calls for transparency to boost MVNO market
The Japanese regulator has called for the country’s mobile operators to disclose their network leasing prices in a bid to encourage more MVNOs to enter the market.
Softbank, Telefonica to offer iPhone
Japan’s Softbank and Spain’s Telefonica have become the latest high-profile mobile operators to announce plans for launch of Apple’s iPhone device this year.
Apple to launch cheaper 3G iPhone in 22 countries
As expected, Apple CEO Steve Jobs yesterday unveiled the long-awaited 3G iPhone, putting an end to months of speculation about the new device’s pricing, format and features.
Sharp enters China to offset falling Japanese sales
Sharp, Japan’s largest mobile phone manufacturer, is to launch in China in a bid to counter declining domestic sales, reports Bloomberg.
Softbank reveals 3G iPhone pricing
Japanese operator Softbank says it will sell the new 3G iPhone at US$215 for the 8GB version when it launches the device on July 11, reports Associated Press. The 16GB version will cost US$320. Both will be available on a two year contract.
EU operators and banks team on mobile payments
Reuters reports today that mobile operators and banks in the European Union are teaming up to enable customers to pay grocery, restaurant and other bills using their mobile phone.
Softbank plans to close 2G service in 2010
Japan’s Softbank today said it will close down its 2G network by the end of March 2010 in an effort to focus on 3G services, reports Dow Jones Newswires.
Ericsson has signed a frame agreement with Japanese operator Softbank Mobile to expand and upgrade its HSPA network. Financial details were not disclosed.
DoCoMo profit rises 41% on lower device subsidies
Japan’s largest mobile operator NTT DoCoMo reported a 41 percent rise in profit for its fiscal first-quarter 2008 due to a scheme designed to reduce handset subsidy costs, though analysts saw the results as evidence of DoCoMo mimicking its competitors and a change in the company’s accounting process.
