Softbank Mobile to Cut Basic Monthly Rate to 980 Yen

Tokyo, Jan. 5 (Jiji Press)–Softbank Mobile Corp., the third largest Japanese mobile phone carrier, said Friday that it will cut its basic phone rate to 980 yen per month under a new price plan to be launched Jan. 16.

Under the new plan, the mobile unit of Softbank Corp. simplified its pricing system by leaving calls to other users of Softbank Mobile services between 1 a.m. and 9 p.m. free of charge and charging 21 yen per 30 seconds for all other calls.

Following the introduction of the number portability system last autumn in Japan, which allows mobile users to switch carriers without changing phone numbers, KDDI Corp.’s “au” services have outpaced its rivals in subscription growth. Softbank Mobile’s new price plan is intended to improve the company’s competitive position.

The minimum basic phone rate is set at 3,780 yen per month for the mobile services of NTT DoCoMo Inc. and KDDI.

Softbank Mobile President Masayoshi Son told a press conference that the business operations will be sound even after the rate cut if the number of users grows.END

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