Softbank (SBM) and Apple today announced that the highly anticipated iPhone 3G will be available in Japan on July 11. iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast* as the first generation iPhone, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhone SDK.

“I am delighted at this opportunity to partner with Apple,” said Masayoshi Son, SBM chairman and CEO, in the press release. “SBM’s and Apple’s shared vision of promoting the innovative integration of the Internet and mobile phone through the distribution of iPhone is exciting. iPhone has been enthusiastically received around the world, and we think it will be popular in Japan as well.”

“Japan is one of the world’s most advanced mobile markets and we are thrilled to partner with SoftBank to launch iPhone 3G there next month, “ said Tim Cook, Apple’s COO, in the press release. “iPhone 3G is an amazing product and we think customers in Japan will love it as much as we do.”

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