Softbank BB Corp., a subdivision of Softbank Corp., plans to move into the cell phone market and has already applied to the Japanese government for a business license for these services.

Softbank BB intends to operate in the 800-Megahertz bandwidth range that will equip it with the opportunity to use third-generation mobile-phone technology. It is arguable however whether Softbank will get those licenses as they can have already been earmarked for KDDI Corp. and NTT DoCoMo Inc. Softbank tried to interfere in the bandwidth allocation procedures by filing a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court to stop the plan from implementing but abandoned the struggle as the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications suggested that Softbank apply for a new license to seek bandwidth allocation.

Softbank President Masayoshi Son declared that his company thinks of starting providing the services no earlier than 2007. The company has a plan to offer its services at below-market rates.

Currently, Softbank offers broadband Internet Protocol telephone services via Yahoo BB. It also provides fixed-line telecommunication services through its subsidiary Japan Telecom.