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KDDI to end Softbank's iPhone exclusivity in Japan in 2012

by Kelly Hodgkins Sep 22nd 2011 at 1:00PM

A rumor from Japan's Nikkei newspaper suggests wireless carrier KDDI will begin selling the iPhone 5 early next year. This deal would end the exclusive iPhone agreement Japanese carrier Softbank has enjoyed the past few years. And enjoy it, Softbank has.

In its June quarterly earnings, Softbank's net income jumped 500% year over year due to sales to the iPhone and iPad. This impressive growth could end if KDDI gets the iPhone. The two carriers would be on same playing field and competition would hinge on plans and pricing, not phone availability. This is a change that could potentially shake up the mobile phone industry in the island country.

[Via AppleInsider]



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A rumor from Japan's Nikkei newspaper suggests wireless carrier KDDI will begin selling the iPhone 5 early next year. This deal would...
 

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Andy Marshall

So this would mean that the new iPhone or iPhones have unified CDMA and GSM chipset?! Softbank and au (KDDI) use different systems.

September 26 2011 at 10:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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