Softbank has entered into a Y11 billion ($100 million) joint venture to develop cutting-edge handsets and software with Vodafone. The move marks a bid by Softbank to boost its research and development clout in a market where its larger rivals are spending huge amounts of money on product development to cater to their customers. The 50-50 venture between the two companies follows Vodafone’s Y1,750 billion sale of its Japanese arm to Softbank.
