Docomo files Softbank fee complaint

Japan’s NTT Docomo has lodged a complaint against rival Softbank Mobile for a higher connection fee the latter charges on calls made from subscribers of other carriers to its customers.

 

According to Japan Today, Softbank Mobile’s fee of 22.86 yen ($0.28) per three minutes exceeds that of the 15.66 yen charged by NTT Docomo, resulting in the latter paying up to 10 billion yen more than Softbank in annual connection fees.

 

NTT Docomo has petitioned Japan’s Telecommunications Business Dispute Settlement Commission for Softbank’s rate to be reduced, claiming the latter would be able to use the extra fee revenue to offer cheaper services. NTT Docomo has also demanded to know how Softbank derived its fee.

 

Softbank said its fee was based on regulatory guidelines, and that it would respond after examining its rival’s complaint.