Maturation of the Mobile Communications Market and Changes in Business Models
First written in FY2017-Q1. 23 of 30 entries say "Restated". Latest entry: FY2025.
fonfun moved to the "Worse" side of this theme in 2021.
The whole theme swung hardest in 2020: 1 of 7 companies on the "Worse" side.
6 other companies' latest entry also says "Restated".
- FY2025RestatedAnnual report
「The business environment surrounding our group is characterized by the widespread recognition of promoting DX in corporate activities as an essential management issue, while the use of cloud services is accelerating throughout society. Advances in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT and data science are greatly expanding the potential to create new business value. We recognize that the markets for the cloud solutions and DX solutions businesses on which our group focuses continue to expand.」
It continues to describe the expansion of the DX and cloud markets as the business environment and identifies cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT and data science as growth drivers. - FY2025-H1ReframedAnnual report
「Under these circumstances, the environment surrounding our company is attracting attention as a high-growth market. In the digital transformation (DX) market and cloud-related businesses, companies are accelerating their DX initiatives to transform their entire industries. Government DX reports led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have also highlighted the growing importance of DX strategies to address issues such as the decline in international competitiveness expected if complex, ageing and opaque legacy systems remain in place, a situation referred to as the “2025 cliff.”」
The focus of the business-environment explanation has shifted from the maturity and changes in the conventional mobile communications market to the growth potential of the DX market and cloud-related businesses, and the need to modernize legacy systems. - FY2024-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「As of the end of September 2023, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 215.52 million, up 5.1% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While presenting the updated mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, policies are affecting the market, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and business models are changing. - FY2024-Q2WorsenedAnnual report
「Against this market backdrop, the environment surrounding our company has been characterized by a continued slight increase in smartphone subscriptions. As of the end of June 2023, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 212.68 million, up 1.0% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
The year-on-year growth rate in mobile phone subscriptions was 1.0%, slowing from the 1.5% increase in the previous quarter. The explanation continues to state that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely and to address MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, policy-driven changes in prices and communication fees, and changes in business models. - FY2024-Q1RestatedAnnual report
「The number of smartphone subscriptions continues to increase slightly. As of the end of March 2023, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 210.84 million, up 1.5% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
Mobile phone subscriptions were updated to 210.84 million, up 1.5% year on year. The explanation continues to state that substantial market expansion is unlikely and to address policy-driven changes in device prices and communication fees, the growing presence of MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, and changes in business models. - FY2023RestatedAnnual report
「As of the end of December 2022, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 207.74 million, up 1.1% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
Mobile phone subscriptions were updated to 207.74 million, up 1.1% year on year. The explanation continues to state that substantial market expansion is unlikely and to address policies, MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, and changes in the business models led by network operators. - FY2023-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「Against this market backdrop, the environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of September 2022, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 205.38 million, up 3.5% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While updating the latest mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial market expansion is unlikely, policies are changing device prices and communication fees, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and the business models led by network operators are changing. - FY2023-Q2WorsenedAnnual report
「As of the end of June 2022, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 203.34 million, up 0.2% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
The year-on-year growth rate in mobile phone subscriptions fell to 0.2%, slowing further from the previous 0.9% increase. The explanation continues to state that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely and to address the growing presence of MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, policy-driven changes in prices and communication fees, and changes in business models. - FY2023-Q1RestatedAnnual report
「Against this market backdrop, the environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of March 2022, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 203.41 million, up 1.4% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
Mobile phone subscriptions were updated to a year-on-year increase of 1.4%, but the explanation continues to state that substantial market expansion is unlikely and to address policy-driven changes in prices and communication fees, the growing presence of MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, and changes in business models. - FY2022RestatedAnnual report
「As of the end of December 2021, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 199.99 million, up 4.6% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
It continues to describe mobile phone subscriptions, the growing presence of MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, policy-driven changes in device prices and communication fees, and changes in the business models led by network operators. - FY2022-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of September 2021, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 197.85 million, up 0.9% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
Mobile phone subscriptions were updated to 197.85 million, up 0.9% year on year. The explanation continues to state that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely and to address the growing presence of MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, policy-driven changes in device prices and communication fees, and changes in business models. - FY2022-Q2WorsenedAnnual report
「Against this market backdrop, the environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of June 2021, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 196.80 million, up 0.9% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major mobile network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
The year-on-year growth rate in mobile phone subscriptions fell to 0.9%. The explanation continues to state that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely and to address the growing presence of MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, policy-driven changes in device prices and communication fees, and changes in business models. - FY2022-Q1WorsenedAnnual report
「As of the end of March 2021, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 194.33 million, up 1.7% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
The year-on-year growth rate in mobile phone subscriptions was 1.7%, quantitatively indicating a slowdown in market growth compared with the previous description. The explanation continues to state that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely and to address policies, MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, and changes in business models. - FY2021RestatedAnnual report
「As of the end of December 2020, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 192.34 million, up 4.6% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business.」
While presenting the updated mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial market expansion is unlikely, policies are changing prices and communication fees, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and the content business is being affected. - FY2021-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of September 2020, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 189.17 million, up 4.5% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While presenting the updated mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and business models are changing. - FY2021-Q2RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of June 2020, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 186.91 million, up 4.0% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While updating the latest mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees, and business models are changing. - FY2020RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market. As of the end of December 2019, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 182.80 million, up 4.6% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well.」
It continues to explain the shift towards smartphones, the lack of prospects for substantial growth in subscription numbers, policy-driven changes in prices and communication fees, the growing presence of MVNOs, and the slight decline in ARPU. - FY2020-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of September 2019, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 180.96 million, up 4.6% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While updating the latest mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, smartphones are becoming central, policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and business models are changing. - FY2020-Q2RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of June 2019, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 179.64 million, up 4.8% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
Mobile phone subscriptions were updated to 179.64 million, up 4.8% year on year. The explanation continues to state that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, smartphones are becoming central, policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and business models are changing. - FY2020-Q1RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of March 2019, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 177.73 million, up 4.5% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While updating the latest mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, smartphones are becoming central, policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and business models are changing. - FY2019-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of September 2018, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 173.07 million, up 4.7% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
It continues to explain the shift towards smartphones, the lack of prospects for substantial growth in subscription numbers, policy-driven changes in device prices and communication fees, the growing presence of MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, and changes in business models. - FY2019-Q2RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of June 2018, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 171.40 million, up 4.5% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While updating the latest subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and business models are changing. - FY2019-Q1RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of March 2018, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 170.09 million, up 4.1% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While presenting the updated mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, smartphones are becoming central, policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and business models are changing. - FY2018RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of December 2017, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 167.27 million, up 3.7% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
It continues to explain the shift towards smartphones, the lack of prospects for substantial growth in subscription numbers, policy-driven changes in device prices and communication fees, the growing presence of MVNOs, the slight decline in ARPU, and changes in business models. - FY2018-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of September 2017, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 165.34 million, up 3.4% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While presenting the updated mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, smartphones are becoming central, MVNOs are becoming more prominent, ARPU is declining slightly, and policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees. - FY2018-Q2RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of June 2017, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 164.11 million, up 4.0% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
While presenting the updated mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely, that MVNOs are becoming more prominent, that ARPU is declining slightly, and that policies are changing the balance between device prices and communication fees. - FY2018-Q1WorsenedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group has been characterized by smartphones becoming the centre of the market and continued industry consolidation. As of the end of March 2017, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 162.73 million, up 4.0% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, the balance between mobile device prices and communication fees has been changing, partly as a result of policies led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) other than the major network operators are also becoming more prominent. Average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline slightly, affecting the content business as well. The business models led by major mobile network operators are expected to undergo further significant changes.」
In addition to the previously noted migration to smartphones, MVNOs and industry consolidation, it explicitly identifies the slight decline in ARPU, changes in the balance between device prices and communication fees, and the impact on the content business, providing a more specific account of changes in the market environment. - FY2017-Q3RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group continued to be marked by industry consolidation, changes in business models and a period of significant transformation. As of the end of September 2016, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 159.55 million, up 4.4% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, migration from conventional mobile devices to smartphones is progressing. In addition, the emergence of low-cost SIM cards offered by mobile virtual network operators and the revision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' guidelines on SIM unlocking are expected to drive further significant changes in the business models led by major mobile network operators.」
While updating the latest mobile phone subscription figure, it continues to explain that substantial growth in subscription numbers is unlikely and that business models are changing as a result of migration to smartphones, low-cost SIM cards and SIM unlocking. - FY2017-Q2RestatedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group continued to be marked by industry consolidation, changes in business models and a period of significant transformation. As of the end of June 2016, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 157.59 million, up 4.0% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, migration from conventional mobile devices to smartphones is progressing. In addition, the emergence of low-cost SIM cards offered by mobile virtual network operators and the revision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' guidelines on SIM unlocking are expected to drive further significant changes in the business models led by major mobile network operators.」
While mobile phone subscriptions were reported at 157.59 million, up 4.0% year on year, substantial growth in subscription numbers is considered unlikely, and the business environment continues to change as a result of migration to smartphones, low-cost SIM cards and SIM unlocking. - FY2017-Q1First statedAnnual report
「The environment surrounding our group continued to be marked by industry consolidation, changes in business models and a period of significant transformation. As of the end of March 2016, the number of mobile phone subscriptions was 156.48 million, up 4.3% year on year, according to materials published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. With substantial growth in subscription numbers unlikely, migration from conventional mobile devices to smartphones is progressing. In addition, the emergence of low-cost SIM cards offered by mobile virtual network operators and the revision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' guidelines on SIM unlocking are expected to drive further significant changes in the business models led by major mobile network operators.」
It explains that, although the market is unlikely to see substantial growth in subscription numbers, the business environment is changing as a result of migration to smartphones, low-cost SIM cards and SIM unlocking.