JapanForum.com - Japanese Cell Phones

Quote:

Originally Posted by godwine (Post 683900)

Thanks guys

What kind of "unique feature" are we referring to? Most phones are not build specifically for one carrier (I worke din that field before, and was involved in some major phones out there now), so it can just be a matter of having the right tools to get it to work.

I can see that Live TV can be a feature, but its not a matter of the carrier, its a combination of things...

Streaming audio and video.. same thing... combination of things....

Thanks Nyorin, those prices sound reasonable.. more so than 800USD

I have a Docomo phone, and as far as I have been able to tell, Docomo phones are not unlockable, and will only work on the Docomo network. I have a 904i, which is a multi-band phone and GSM compatible. Docomo has a worldwide service called "Worldwing" which works in partnership with carriers in other countries. My phone cost about $550.

Some of Softbank's phones are unlockable (mainly the Iphone), as well as some of the HTC models. Of course, these are not Japanese phones, even though they are immensely popular (and expensive) here. Certain HTC models (H01XT and others) have been modified for Softbank so that they cannot be unlocked.

Most Japanese GSM-compatible phones will be the higher-end types, which will likely be more expensive than the garden-variety models. Your best bet is to search Docomo's or Softbank's sites for details about their phones, and then do a separate search on these models for details from users.