Vodafone and Softbank combine for mobile tech

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Vodafone and Softbank announced an agreement to form a partnership to develop and procure of mobile technology and content. The partnership intends to harness the mobile and Internet expertise and assets of Vodafone and Softbank in Japan to develop hardware and software for the mobile Internet. The partnership will initially focus on three key development areas:

1. Handset Development and Procurement
The partnership will work with manufacturers to develop and procure technically advanced handsets which can be manufactured at low cost.

2. Service Platforms and Mobile Portals
The partnership will develop software that will enhance the customer experience by providing a much richer user interface through mobile portals.

3. Content
Vodafone and Softbank will work together sourcing content which will be developed and aggregated to take advantage of the partnership's proposed advanced handset technology.

Based on successful development in the above areas, the partnership will also potentially consider expansion into other areas.