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In Brief: Vodafone, Softbank in Japan joint venture

May 18 ,Technology


British mobile group Vodafone agreed with Japan's Softbank to develop mobile technology and content.

The two companies will work together to develop both hardware and software for the mobile Internet. Development activities will concentrate in Japan, Vodafone said.

"As we stated at the time of our sale of Vodafone KK to Softbank in March, we intend to continue our relationship with Softbank, one of the leading telecommunications and media companies in Japan, to benefit from insights into the Japanese market. By working together, we will be able to develop new mobile technologies and content for the benefit of our customers, as well as offering our developments under license," said Vodafone's head, Arun Sarin.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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