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Marketwatch reports that KDI Corp will be selling the next generation iPhone come October, likely alongside rival Softbank, who had enjoyed exclusivity up until now.

In a blow for the Japanese cell phone carrier's rival, Apple and KDDI have already entered into a sales pact for the new phone, Nikkei Business said, citing sources close to the matter.

KDDI will reportedly making preparations for the "iPhone 5" at its shops throughout the country around November.

According to an analyst quoted in the article, customers will welcome the expansion as "Softbank's telecommunications quality lags other carriers" in Japan.

Top Rated Comments

pancakedrawer Avatar
pancakedrawer
153 months ago
Fair shake of the sauce bottle

Why is this Page 2 news but rumors about US phone carriers are front page worthy? MacRumors should treat itself like an international site and treat news from all countries equally. For example they should avoid terms such as Winter and Summer when referring to dates as in the southern hemisphere is the the opposite. Americanisation can make other users feel less appreciated and in some cases confused.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DESNOS Avatar
DESNOS
153 months ago
万歳！

:d
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CanuckInJapan Avatar
CanuckInJapan
152 months ago
This side-by-side network speed test of four Japanese iPhones (4 and 4S) comparing au (KDDI) and Softbank is getting a lot of attention (posted by Gizmodo Japan).



The speed test results were:
au (KDDI) - 1.68 Mbps and 1.26 Mbps
Softbank - 82.13 kbps and 88.3 kbps <-- note that is kbps, not Mbps
Softbank is pushing their network speeds, but it would appear the reality is just a tad different.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
plasticparadox Avatar
plasticparadox
153 months ago
au has way better service (both customer & reception) than SoftBank. I also like the fact that you can opt out of automatic bank transfers and instead pay at the conbini with a slip, even with a 2 year contract.

But I've been using SoftBank for years now, and most of my friends are using SoftBank as well. I could never give up the White Plan.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
japanime Avatar
japanime
153 months ago
It should also be noted that Softbank throttles its 3G data-transfer speeds for ALL iPhone customers, not just the heaviest users. It's nearly impossible to stream video or use Skype over Softbank's crippled 3G network. Which is why I stopped using 3G altogether and keep my iPhone set to WiFi all the time.

And it's also not a secret, though you have to dig quite deep into Softbank's website to find the info:

http://mb.softbank.jp/en/price_plans/updst_note.html

Hopefully KDDI/AU will refrain from such sneaky tactics.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anjonjp Avatar
anjonjp
153 months ago


I've been with Softbank for about five years. Have had both the 3G and 4 through Softbank, and have had no problems. I could count the number of dropped calls I've had in the last five years on one hand. I don't know how the service lags.

Try going camping or skiing or any other kind of activity in the mountains! For that matter, try making a call in Kagurazaka central Tokyo, just a stone's throw from the Imperial Palace and Softbank won't connect! :roll eyes:
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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