Walt Disney Co. said Monday it will launch mobile phone services in Japan next spring using Softbank Mobile Corp.'s telecommunications network.
Walt Disney Co. Japan, the Japanese unit of the U.S. entertainment giant, submitted an application to the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry to become a so-called mobile virtual network operator, which provides mobile service without owning network infrastructure.
Disney will be the first mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, in Japan to offer both voice and data communications services. Existing MVNOs offer only wireless data communications services.
Disney and Softbank will cooperate in developing handsets and content for the services. Disney will accept subscriptions through Softbank's nationwide sales network.
Disney is expected to offer content involving Disney characters and distribute cartoons to its subscribers.
Disney Japan President Paul Candland said that by combining quality services of Softbank and entertainment content by Disney, his company will be able to offer groundbreaking mobile phone services.
Softbank Mobile, the mobile phone business of Internet conglomerate Softbank Corp., said it plans to lease its mobile communications network to Disney as part of efforts to expand its profit base.
Softbank Mobile, which has about 17 million subscribers, has been expanding rapidly due to its popular discount fee plan, but it still has adequate capacity in its network.
Disney provides a mobile phone service in the United States under an MVNO arrangement but plans to finish it by the end of this year.
Q1. How cell phones have changed your way of lives? If you don't have, why not?
Q2. "Disney is expected to offer content involving Disney characters and distribute cartoons to its subscribers." Do you think this service will be successful?
Q3. Mobile-phones are becoming more and more convenient. What kind of function do you want them to have in the future? What service do you want?
携帯電話の発展は目覚しいですね。この先どんな機能が増えて欲しいですか?どんなサービスを望みますか?
Q4. NTT DoCoMo Inc. will review their sales incentives and let customers choose between two options: conventional pricing plans linked to inexpensive handsets or lower monthly service fees for higher-priced handsets. Which option do you prefer?