Q&A with Vodafone Japan CEO
Wherein Dr. Brian Clark fields questions from the Japanese media at a presser [WWJ Video here] held 16 November 2004; the good CEO responds to queries related to expected 3G subscriber numbers (“We don’t issue forecasts for customer numbers ahead of time”), sourcing 3G terminals from Korea (Korean terminals are not appropriate), and what percentage of customers use prepaid — and how will a ban affect overall performance (“Current base is about 11 percent; prepaid is a fundamental customer benefit”), among others. For wireless watchers, today’s Portable Reportable — a direct look at the inner workings of Japan mobile — is not to be missed.
Actually, Dr. Clark does reveal that the VF group as a whole expects 10mn 3G customers worldwide by March 2006, but he gives no hint as to what portion should be in Japan.
He also explains how VF are dealing with the fraud problems related to prepaid phones, which are generating a great deal of media hysteria and political chest-puffing, how he sees new regular CEO Tsuda-san taking the lead in Japan, and details on 3G strategy.