kddi
kddi

kddi

January Carrier Stats Released

The latest subscriber figures were announced today with good news for SoftBank Mobile and what must be disappointing results for DoCoMo while KDDI continues to lead the pack in over-all performance again in January. We had mentioned that many industry watchers were expecting SoftBanks new flat-rate voice plan – announced in early January – would have an positive impact, and it certainly did. Most surprising was the small month-on-month loss of i-mode customers, the second time in 3 months, for the incumbent.

Warner Music Launches Rhino on i-mode

Warner Music has partnered with Catalyst Mobile to roll-out Rhino Music Service as an official content offering on DoCoMo’s i-mode menu. The service will provide monthly subscribers – at 315jpy – with search, recommendation, preview, and downloading of individual assets. Other features also include ‘This Day in Rock History’ trivia and ‘Songs You Know Ring Tone Corner.’

Year of the Pig Shaping up as Golden

What’s this?? … mobs of Flying Ketai Pigs..?

Actually, 2007 promises to be far more interesting than even that cheeky title! Here goes our official WWJ Fearless Forecast for 2007 – all in one – huge – breath!

2007 promises to be far more interesting than even that cheeky title! Here goes our official WWJ Fearless Forecast for 2007 – all in one – huge – breath! M-commerce: The carriers? FeliCa-based services will continue to grab serious market share. At the end of 2006, DoCoMo had over 1 mln customers for their DCMX mobile credit-card service alone, not to mention the 18.3 mn regular FeliCa handsets in use as of 31 December. KDDI and SoftBank have FeliCa user bases in the millions as well.. grab a cuppa for after the jump!

KDDI Q3 Profit Drops on Increased Costs

KDDI announced third quarter profit fell 2.8% as marketing costs surged along with their increase in new subscribers. Net income declined to 55 billion yen ($457 million) for the three months ended Dec. 31, from 56.6 billion yen a year earlier, while sales surged 13 percent to 858 billion yen from 761 billion yen a year ago. Operating profit fell 4.7% year on year in the third quarter to 86.6 billion yen, KDDI said.

BBMF Forms Alliance with CDC Mobile

CDC Mobile announced it has entered into a letter of intent to make a strategic investment in BBMF Group Inc, a leading 3G content provider in Japan. This will be the first of CDC Mobile’s targeted investments through its recently announced US$100 million 3G Content Partner Program designed to provide first-mover advantage in the anticipated 3G content market in China. Under the letter of intent, CDC Mobile intend to invest US$20 million in convertible bonds issued by BBMF Group Inc. and the two companies would form a strategic alliance in operations to jointly target 3G markets in Japan and China.

Napster Mobile Launches on KDDI

Napster announced the launch of it’s mobile music service on KDDI so Au brand customers can access Napster library through the EZ web network. Programming features, include personalized recommendations, featured artists and new releases, exclusive music and chart information. Napster Mobile made its Japanese debut this past November when it launched on DoCoMo’s i-mode platform.