Mobile operator strategies - 19/05/06

Vodafone and Softbank will form a 50/50 JV to develop mobile phones, services and content, mostly in Japan.

Vodafone KK Japan will change its name to Softbank Mobile after Softbank acquired Vodafone operations in Japan last month.

MTS (Russia) will benefit from a $250m long-term financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.