SoftBank Mobile and HTC Corp. held a press conference at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo today to annouce 14 October as roll-out date for HTC’s X01HT smartphone which is compatible with the carrier’s new high-speed HSDPA 3.5G network. SoftBank also confirmed their new dual-flat-rate pricing plan offer of unlimited data usage for 9,800jpy per month with a limited time trial offer of 5,700jpy until January 2007. We have video here of the same unit at DoCoMo’s booth during the Wireless Japan 2006 trade show in July.

The two major advantages to SoftBank’s offering, compared to DoCoMo’s, are:

• HSDPA speed (at least in greater Tokyo area for starters)

• Flat-rate billing plan

… neither of which are available with DoCoMo’s package.

It seems quite clear this device will be much more popular than the Blackberry based on the simple fact that it has Kanji character input; however, it would be nice to see future versions include FeliCa chips (Osaifu-ketai – mobile wallet) and a 1-Seg digital tv tuner.

– The Eds

Related posts:

1. SoftBank Announces Flat-Rate Voice
2. SoftBank Announces iPhone Service Plans
3. DoCoMo’s Prototype HSDPA Handsets
4. SoftBank Mobile Announces New 3G Phones
5. DoCoMo to Start HSDPA with N902iX Handset

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!