Softbank to be sponsor for bankrupt Willcom

TOKYO, JAPAN: Japan's No.3 mobile phone operator, Softbank Corp, said that it would become a sponsor of bankrupt rival Willcom Inc.

When Willcom filed for bankruptcy in February, Softbank was supposed to take over only Willcom's next generation mobile phone service, but it said in a statement on Monday that it would give further assistance in response to a request from a court-appointed administrator.

Softbank said it would help Willcom operate its existing mobile phone service as well as supporting the firm in repaying 41 billion yen ($474 million) in debt.