Softbank details iPhone launch day for Japan
updated 10:05 am EDT, Tue July 8, 2008
Japan's iPhone launch day
Japan's Softbank has announced launch-day plans for the country's first iPhone, according to IDG News. The carrier says that it will be one of the first in the world to sell the iPhone 3G, opening the doors of its Harajuku store at 7AM Friday JST, a time equivalent to 10PM Thursday in GMT, or 2PM Thursday in PST. The only country to launch before Japan should be New Zealand, where the 3G is being carried by Vodafone.
Major retailers, and Softbank shops outside of Harajuku, will sell the phone several hours later beginning at noon JST. The launch is said to be highly anticipated in Japan for several reasons, foremost being compatibility -- residents have not even been able to use unlocked 2.5G phones, as the country is networked via W-CDMA, rather than the global GSM standard.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008
Very much anticipated
Yeah, I would definitely say that it is anticipated. I have called many many Softbank shops and it seems that for just a couple of days after the news was announced, several shops took reservations and it is at the moment hard to find a shop that has any. They did close reservations shortly after however the ones who did place it can take advantage.
Also, calling many shops. Every one that I called are saying that they have 50 to 100 calls about it everyday.
I hope that I can find a store that has one!!!