Regarding cases where smartphone terminals are sold for 1 yen, the Fair Trade Commission plans to strengthen surveillance on each company, citing strict quotas for sales agents by major mobile companies.

With regard to smartphones, there have been many cases of large discounts, such as selling devices for 1 yen. considered to be the upper limit.



However, since there have been no end to the cases where the products are sold at extremely low prices, the Japan Fair Trade Commission conducted a fact-finding survey of more than 300 companies, including major mobile companies and sales agents.



According to it, from January to June last year, it was found that the number of smartphones sold for 1000 yen or less accounted for 14.9% of the total.



It was confirmed that there were cases in which the price of the terminal was significantly discounted in advance, and further discounts were made when selling as a set with the contract, so that the discount actually exceeded 20,000 yen.

Regarding this background, the Japan Fair Trade Commission said, ``There is a quota set for each agency, and the amount paid to the agency by a major mobile phone company is determined based on whether or not the quota is achieved.'' pointing out.



The Japan Fair Trade Commission plans to strengthen surveillance on each company, saying that if such sales continue, it may lead to an increase in communication charges, etc., and may violate the Antimonopoly Act.

Comments from four major mobile phone companies

In response to the results of this survey, the four major mobile phone companies will confirm the contents and respond appropriately.



▽NTT Docomo commented, "After confirming the contents of the survey, we will take measures as necessary and continue to strive for appropriate sales."



▽ KDDI said, "After carefully examining the contents of the report, we would like to consider the necessary response."



▽ SoftBank said, ``We have been aware that we have responded so as not to conflict with laws and guidelines, but we would like to respond appropriately after fully considering the ideas and considerations presented this time.''



▽ Rakuten Mobile said, "We take the results of this survey seriously and strive to make improvements."