Japan’s antitrust watchdog has questioned new mobile phone operator Softbank Corp. about its sales tactics, a Softbank spokesman said on Tuesday. Officials from the Fair Trade Commission met with Softbank’s wireless unit on Monday to ask for an explanation of new discounts and sales tactics, the spokesman said, declining to elaborate further. The Sankei Shimbun reported the FTC was examining whether recent sales campaigns launched by Softbank are misleading to consumers.

The regulators are also concerned with Softbank’s advertisements, which highlight the catchphrase “Zero-yen calls and e-mails,” but lists the conditions and restrictions in small print, according to Sankei.

Softbank’s new discounts are complex to understand and may possibly be in violation for mislabelling and of telecommunications service laws, the Sankei report said. Tatsuya Suzumura, an official at the commission, said he could not comment on individual cases. See more via Reuters >>

Related posts:

1. Softbank to Improve Network
2. Japan FTC to Investigate Qualcomm
3. SoftBank Mobile White Plan Results
4. FTC Warning to Ring Tone Firms
5. Vodafone to Quit Japan, in Talks to Sell to Softbank

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!