Softbank and Vodafone announced on May 18 that they have agreed to set up a joint venture, which will focus on development and procurement of mobile phones, and will develop a service platform to distribute content for mobile devices. Both companies will take a 50% stake in the joint venture, which will be capitalized at 11 billion Yen.

Furthermore, Softbank will change the name of Vodafone KK, which it recently acquired, to Softbank Mobile on October 1.