KDDI, the second-biggest mobile phone operator in Japan after NTT DoCoMo, is doing a Helio: it is launching an MVNO here in U.S., focused on the Japanese expatriate market. It will use Sprint Nextel’s network for it. Helio, which is half-owned by SK Telecom, is targeting Korean market here, in addition to the general youth market.
KDDI service might launch as soon as this month, with handsets by Sanyo. KDDI’s U.S. subsidiary, KDDI America Inc., will manage the venture. The U.S. venture will be a model for the eventual expansion of its services into Europe and other Asian nations, the company said. The new U.S. services will initially target Japanese residents with long-term, pay-later subscription plans. Prepaid services, aimed at tourists and others making short visits, began in mid-March.
KDDI Mobile’s service will later be expanded to include ringtones and social networking services