Softbank Announced Apple’s 3G iPhone Retail Price in Japan

Softbank, Japanese third largest cellular service provider has just announced to public that it will sell Apple’s upcoming 3G iPhones at a retail price of 23,040 yen ($215) and 34,560 yen ($320) for both 8GB and 16GB version respectively. The selling price is quite consistent with what have been announced by Apple Inc recently that plans to put its selling price at $199 and $299 after getting subsidy from AT&T.

Similar to US regions, those buyers that would like to enjoy such a low purchase prices are required to subscribe to Softbank data plan for two years. Basically there are three plans available for selection – White, Blue and Orange Plan with white as a premium plan that allows users to have unlimited local talk time at around 5985 yen monthly. Besides, there is a new package – Packet Flat Rate Full being offered by Softbank Corp targeted for subscribers that need full web surfing, video call as well as GPS (Global Positioning System) map services. These services are optional at additional 315 yen per month only and good thing is, it makes use of the full features and capabilities of the next generation iPhone.

Hopefully with this announcement, it will pull more interest among Japanese to buy 3G iPhone once they are available by next month. This will at least change the iSHARE’s Survey data that indicated only 9 percent of Japanese consumers show interest to purchase 3G iPhone when it is commercialized.