Kids' Mobile Device for Willcom?
Reports in the Japanese business press have suggested that publisher Bandai Namco is about to announce the launch of a new mobile gaming device, which would be aimed at the children’s market and launched with mobile network operator Willcom. The new service, Kids Mobile, would be co-launched by Bandai Namco and Willcom, a Japanese mobile operator which was spun out of major operator KDDI in mid-2004, and is now co-owned by Kyocera and the Carlyle Group.
Few details been revealed about the new joint venture, except that negotiations between the two firms are nearing completion and the device and service will launch later this year. However, it’s safe to surmise that the handset will use the PHS (Personal Handyphone System) network, which is Willcom’s area of specialisation and which offers low-cost, high-speed phone connectivity in urban areas of Japan.