Sharp handsets do magic and spur mobile web usage in Japan

CNet Japan reported Be Trend’s research results about the mobile internet usage in Japan in January 2007. First, they show the breakdown of mobile internet access shares by carrier. The trend here reflects the recent turn around at Softbank, with carrier’s share surpassing 9% in January and gradually heading to a 10% milestone. Nevertheless, NTT DoCoMo still holds the lion’s share of mobile phone users accessing mobile web.

What is more interesting is that Be Trend was able to track down the mobile web access statistics to a single handset model, publishing top five models for each carrier. First come DoCoMo handsets with the top five ranking being occupied with spring and summer models of 2007. However, the latest models of 905i series also start penetrate the ranks, with Be Trend reporting that the P905i has made the Top 10 list with a 2.7% share.

Sharp entered KDDI au’s Top 5 list the W52SH model for the first time. Considering Sharp’s leading positions with other carriers, this success with KDDI au tells that Sharp has found a winning formula to manufacture both the CDMA and WCDMA handsets with appealing design and user friendly interface.

Softbank’s Top 5 list of devices used to access mobile web is dominated by Sharp model – only Toshiba handset prevents Sharp from taking all five positions.

Source: CNet Japan (Japanese)