“KDDI Corp. has broken Softbank Corp.’s exclusive grip on iPhone products, snagging the right to also sell Apple Inc.’s upcoming iPhone 5 in Japan, a Nikkei publication reported on its website Thursday,” Shawn Schroter reports for MarketWatch.
“In a blow for the Japanese cell phone carrier’s rival, Apple and KDDI have already entered into a sales pact for the new phone, Nikkei Business said, citing sources close to the matter,” Schroter reports. “The report said KDDI was making preparations to sell the iPhone 5, which is expected to be released in October, at its au shops throughout the country starting around November.”
Schroter reports, “Because Softbank is currently the exclusive provider of iPhone products in Japan, if KDDI ends up selling the iPhone 5 it is seen as likely having a negative impact on the company. Softbank has yet to say whether it plans to sell the iPhone5 but it is widely assumed that it will given its contract with Apple.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “Fred Mertz” and “Lynn Weiler” for the heads up.]
So why not T-Mobile???????
I think the question should be: why not any seller in any country? What is the benefit for Apple, carriers or users in having these sweetheart deals? I can buy a Mac or an iPad or an iPod in any country from any retailer. Why is the iPhone different?