New Softbank Prices for iPhone 3G Japan
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Loading ...Only a month ago the iPhone 3G hit the Japanese market and according to the media made a strong debut with long waiting lines on the first day. Today Softbank announced a new pricing plan for the iPhone 3G.
This move comes earlier as expected, but not surprising as the mobile carrier failed to attract customers who mainly use their handsets for e-mails and phone calls. With the new pricing plan Softbank gives up the data flat-rate. It offers the same data flexible rate as it has for his other smartphones. Depending on the data usage the monthly data fee range of 1,695 yen to 5,985 yen.
Michito Kimura, senior analyst at market research firm IDC Japan, says iPhone sales are unlikely to rise sharply.
But there is a view that the iPhone has immeasurable growth potential because users can customize it as much as they wish by downloading software they like. An official at a major telecommunications company says that a big software hit such as a game might help iPhone turn around its fortunes in Japan. With the right application or game the iPhone 3G can win over new users from Nintendo DS and PSP.
Softbank is the only carrier to sell Apple’s iPhone in Japan, even so rumors are still going around that docomo is interested in selling the iPhone as well.
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Well, while Steve Jobs may want to sell more phones, Softbank is doing its best to limit sales and turn off its loyal customer base. As a Softbank user of 6 years, I have been turned down in 2 different stores in my attempt to change my Nokia to an i-phone. The first shop in Akasaka, Tokyo told me their stock of iPhone for current subscribers was out but I could have one immediately if I took out a new subscription (i.e. pay more for it – can’t use my loyalty points to offset the handset price). The second shop – Tamachi, Tokyo was happy at first to sell me a phone but then told me I would have to upgrade my service plan or the shop would refuse to sell me an iPhone – each store manager can decide his policy I was told. Sharp practice.
Does Mr. Son know and encourage shop maangers to discriminate like this?