Japan’s Softbank today said it will close down its 2G network by the end of March 2010 in an effort to focus on 3G services, reports Dow Jones Newswires. Although the smallest of the country’s three major mobile operators with approximately 19 million subscribers according to Wireless Intelligence, Softbank is one of Japan’s fastest growing operators, with a total year-on-year connection growth rate of 16.25 percent. (more…)

China Mobile Limited, SOFTBANK and Vodafone have agreed to establish a Joint Innovation Lab (JIL) to promote the development of new mobile technologies, applications and services. The three companies expect the initiative will help to accelerate the commercial deployment of mobile internet services. (more…)

Apple wants to sell iPhone also in Japan, but it negociates with both NTT DoCoMo and Softbank. Who offers the most? We will find out when the official announcement will be published.