News
SoftBank to carry iPhone in Japan
In a major but brief announcement, Japan’s SoftBank Mobile (formerly Vodafone) has disclosed that it will offer the iPhone in Japan. According to a brief press release, the company said it “has signed an agreement with Apple to bring the iPhone to Japan later this year.” According to Reuters, SoftBank spokesman Fumihiro Ito could not provide further details on the deal, such as a release date or whether the company would be the exclusive carrier in Japan. A report placed SoftBank and Apple in a mobile phone partnership as early as May 2006, when a Japanese newspaper reported that the companies were working together to build a cell phone with iPod-like features and high-speed web connectivity. Also of interest is SoftBank’s reference to the name “iPhone,” which due to trademark concerns has remained uncertain as the product’s name in Japan.
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1
If I remember correctly, Japan doesn’t use GSM network. I am wondering if Apple needs to make a special version of iPhone for Japan.
Posted by Gary Young on June 4, 2008 at 11:22 AM (PDT)
2
The upcoming 3G version of the iPhone, which should be announced next week, will work in Japan.
Posted by John on June 4, 2008 at 9:16 PM (PDT)
3
The outstanding questions here are wether SoftBank will be the exclusive carrier, what the price will be, and what plan(s) will be offered for the iPhone.
Posted by John on June 4, 2008 at 9:18 PM (PDT)
4
Excellent news - I will be able to rid myself of my evil Softbank Sharp phone in exchange for a decent phone. And yes the 3G phones work in Japan.
Posted by dimmer on June 4, 2008 at 11:34 PM (PDT)