Vodafone Japan to Open Network

Vodafone will consider hosting so-called virtual network operators as part of a move to target specific market segments. The world’s largest mobile phone operator has so far been very selective in letting potential rivals on to its networks around the world, although it recently signed a deal with Extreme Sports in the UK. The change of direction was revealed on Tuesday by Bill Morrow, the former head of the UK business, who was parachuted into the troubled subsidiary three months ago as part of a management shake-up. 

But analysts were disappointed by a lack of further detail from Vodafone.

“If this is interpreted positively, Vodafone is preparing to launch some very innovative new services. But if this is interpreted negatively, it looks like they don’t have anything concrete to announce,” says Tetsuro Tsusaka, telecoms analyst at Deutsche Securities in Tokyo. Continue >>