Cellphone cease-fire signals change

What does end of incentive war mean for wallet, industry’s future?

Mobile phone companies no longer boast big posters advertising large discounts and cash-back offers like they did in this photo taken in January 2011, because of government pressure to refrain. | BLOOMBERG

By Kazuaki Nagata
Staff Writer

Feb 22, 2016

The Japanese mobile phone industry recently came under fire from the government for using ambiguous price-setting schemes and excessive handset discounts that stole customers from rivals but penalized loyalty.

This has prompted the three major carriers — NTT Docomo Inc., KDDI Corp. and SoftBank Corp. — to roll out new monthly plans that are more affordable to infrequent users and rein in their outrageous handset discounts.

How is the system changing and how will it affect your cellphone payments? Below are some questions and answers on the new pricing schemes:

CELLPHONES AT A CROSSROAD

Cellphone cease-fire signals change

What does end of incentive war mean for wallet, industry’s future?

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