Wednesday June 30
 
11:31
 
Apple & Softbank shocker!

In Japan there are 3 main mobile phone networks – Docomo, AU, and Softbank. Of the 3, Softbank has the worst reception. Guess which network Apple chose? Yup, Softbank.

Japan is the only country in the world where the iPad is locked to a particular carrier.

It’s always been assumed that this was due to an Apple/Softbank tie-in, but not according to Softbank:

At Softbank’s annual shareholder meeting in a grand Tokyo auditorium, Mr. Son fielded a question from an investor about whether Softbank is worried that Apple may use another carrier in Japan to sell its products. He said while there is no binding clause keeping Apple tied to Softbank, he is pleased to be able to play a role in getting these products out to as many consumers as possible.

So there we have it – Apple locks us to Softbank for fun. Most likely, Docomo refused the iPhone at first and so Steve has locked down the iPad to “punish” them.