Vodafone has revealed it is in talks about selling its struggling Japanese phone business to internet and telecoms provider Softbank. Its Japanese subsidiary has been losing customers in the face of fierce competition from domestic operators such as NTT DoCoMo and KDDI. “Vodafone confirms it is in discussions regarding a potential sale of a controlling interest in Vodafone Japan to Softbank,” the company said in a statement. “These discussions may or may not lead to a transaction.”

See our Vodafone’s Japan Exit: Thinking the Unthinkable dated Feb. 2005 — Eds.

Telecoms analysts said Vodafone’s Japanese difficulties had frustrated both its management and shareholders. “Vodafone would shed a unit that it just doesn’t seem able to fix and which certainly does not fit within the profile of the Vodafone investment portfolio,” said Ovum’s Robin Hearn of the mooted sale.

Although Vodafone still has nearly 15 million customers in Japan, its customer base has shrunk over the past year amid tough competition and a poor reception for its 3G service. Profits fell sharply in the past six months while revenues were flat. Softbank secured a licence to operate a mobile phone business last year. Continue

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2. New Player Eyes Japanese 3G Market
3. Vodafone’s Shift to 3G Phones
4. Vodafone Bows out of Japan?
5. Softbank/Vodafone Tie-up & Is the Best-of-Breed 905SH Good Enough?

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!