SoftBank CEO Replaces Lost iPhones After Japanese Quake

**Wiley John Wright** · 03-31-2011, 03:41 AM

Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan recently, SoftBank president and founder Masayoshi Son has decided to give free cell phones to all the children who were orphaned by the earthquake. Not only that, but he also promised that none of these children would have to pay any cell fees until they reach 18 years old.

After the quake, some 3,800 of SoftBank's cell towers were taken out of commission. This made it impossible for any SoftBank customers to make or receive calls in the affected area. All cellular providers were affected by this devastating earthquake.

Masayoshi Son recently went to the city of Tamura, where many people have sought refuge following the devastating tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster. Masayoshi Son was so moved by what he saw there that he offered to buy food, pay for commuter costs and offered jobs to many of the refugees. Son, who has nearly 1 million followers on Twitter, recently asked his followers for suggestions about how SoftBank could further help earthquake victims.

When one of his Twitter followers, suggested that SoftBank should offer free cell phone service to all the children orphaned by the earthquake, Masayoshi Son decided to enact this idea right away. Son has stated that this free cell phone service will continue until the children reach 18 years of age. Also, as SoftBank is the sole provider of iPhones in Japan, any customer who lost or damaged their iPhone as a result of the quake will receive a free replacement. Hopefully, other companies will follow the example set by SoftBank's generosity.

Source: Mobile Crunch

**reaves205** · 03-31-2011, 04:35 AM

What a great kind expression.....

**keenpois0n** · 03-31-2011, 04:41 AM

if only the rest of us where that generous...great anniciative this bloke/company is taking though, good on em

**cheme75** · 03-31-2011, 04:42 AM

this shows responsibility to all stakeholders not just the stockholders - way to go!

**chile7236** · 03-31-2011, 04:51 AM

well, i can finally say something nice about softbank....

**Mdot80** · 03-31-2011, 04:53 AM

what a kind soul

**maddawg05** · 03-31-2011, 05:16 AM

Goes to prove there are still goodness in the world.

**eddietah** · 03-31-2011, 05:31 AM

Thanks for sharing

**Sem656** · 03-31-2011, 05:34 AM

It was really generous and I'm not trying to sound like he's not doing anything but why wouldnt he be using that money to help rebuild or something?

**Sanady361** · 03-31-2011, 05:36 AM

You'd never see this done in the U.S.

**klouud** · 03-31-2011, 05:39 AM

Thats really awesome... but... "hey kid, I'm sorry you lost everything and your family and are orphaned. Here, have an iPhone and free cell phone service until you are 18! Good luck finding food and shelter though!"

**Quaddy** · 03-31-2011, 05:48 AM

not since 1992 when bono ordered 10,000 pizzas for the zoo tv tour concert goers have i see such an epic display of good will

**Teban** · 03-31-2011, 05:51 AM

Yeah I agree, however servicing a cell phone really doesn't cost money. The cost of the iPhone won't feed them till there 18 but will give them the ability to communicate with any family they have left for years to come. So it's a matter of perspective. It is a good deed none the less, and sets an example that a little can go along way. JMHO

**damoek** · 03-31-2011, 06:32 AM

Wow, thats kind of a cool gesture. Especially because it probably won't cost them that much (in fees at least).

**hitman10** · 03-31-2011, 06:40 AM

Way to go buddy! no only is that great for publicity but its great for the people.
It nice to hear something positive after hearing nothing but negative between the Depression, Libya, n now Japan.

**javiert30** · 03-31-2011, 06:43 AM

Im sure Steve Jobs was thinking the same thing...

**Villebilly** · 03-31-2011, 06:45 AM

It is an awesome gesture. Of course some people will criticize anything a famous person does (while not doing anything) as not doing enough. I get that it may not rebuild a house for someone but it does serve an immediate need for most while other repairs will take years - and he will likely be involved in those as well.

**TheDirtyDiddler** · 03-31-2011, 06:50 AM

There will still be people on this board who manage to ***** about this and say that he still hasn't done enough to help. Thankfully, I'm not one of them.

**CabooseLoL** · 03-31-2011, 07:05 AM

I like nice people

**bigliquid530** · 03-31-2011, 07:12 AM

It seems like people always find something to b***h about. Oh well, too bad there isn't more people out there willing to help people in need.

Thread: SoftBank CEO Replaces Lost iPhones After Japanese Quake

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

SoftBank CEO Replaces Lost iPhones After Japanese Quake

The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Wiley John Wright For This Useful Post:

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Sem656 For This Useful Post:

The Following User Says Thank You to Quaddy For This Useful Post:

Posting Permissions