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Softbank's takeover of Sprint hits U.S. security concerns

18 Comments

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18 Comments
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They seem to be mistaken. Softbank is Japanese, not Chinese.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Gokai wo maneku, and what is the different? Last time I check Japan is a foreign country, what now special treatment to Japan, I dont see Japa giving special treament when a American company trying to do the same here.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I thought with Obama endorsing keeping business at home someone would have blocked this purchase from another company outside the USA. Hopefully if it does go through it lowers the current rates for the citizens of the US. Next thing you know Toyota will buy GM outright ....made in America owned by Japan.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

No big deal! The FBI and FCC just want to be sure that everything be cool, right??

1 ( +2 / -1 )

With stronger Japanese yen it is obvious to Japanese firms to think that now is the time to go on a buying spree. US authorities are definitely concerned and hence it is obvious to hit that brake as their reflex action. If yen continues to grow, sooner or later authorities will have to put a cap (if its not already in place) on number of take overs per nation/anum. National security concerns are just eye wash.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

When considering security matters, first look at nationality identity. Yahoo, Chinese educated Taiwanese, helped China identify and persecute freedom lovers; Softbank?? That's Korean, not Japan.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Ah, the magic " national security" phrase.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

This story brings out my previous points, America is such a protectionist country. They want to for Japan, China, rest of Asia to buy their products and when we actually buy they say we can't buy banks, telecommunications, tech, blah blah blah and only left to buy are T-shirts and pens. American trade policy is in the stone ages as it is the core of racial discrimination and oppression.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Ummm. I think you'll find that softbank is a Japanese company started by a japan born man who happens to be of Korean desent. He was born in saga. A quick Wikipedia check can stop this stupidly racist thought. Off course they'll check security issues. Japan is a forign country. If it was Aussie or British they'd be the same checks.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

They want to be sure that Japan will not interfere with or reveal all the domestic spying that's recently been secretly forced into all these systems. There is a reason why Japanese carriers create & push alternatives tto popular, free US services...

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Hopefully it will be blocked. I can understand America being uncomfortable with the idea. It's very risky allowing Japanese companies to invade the American market.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Under similar circumstances, which country will not do the same? (Ask China). The whole Japan plunged into a collective hysterical frenzy when an American company tried to buy up a tiny Japanese bearing maker, and failed, because of national security issues.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I see no reason why Softbank will be denied the purchase. It is a legitimate successful publicly traded company.

The U.S. is just making sure the company satisfies the various concerns related to a foreign owner of critical U.S. infrastructure.

By the way, that is why (Tiger), Chinese companies have been denied several opportunities to purchase U.S. businesses and assets. It is hard to distinguish between an actual company and a state government known for industrial and military espionage in the U.S.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Here we see why TPP and similar open trade may not be in all countries interests. US uses the "National Security Interests" in many scenarios. Even to prevent foreign airlines from taking over US ones.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Hopefully it will be blocked. I can understand America being uncomfortable with the idea. It's very risky allowing Japanese companies to invade the American market.

That is called protectionism, and not in best interests of US style capitalism. Besides, just think what "otosan" the white dog could do to lift US public's morale?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

tmtmsnb When considering security matters, first look at nationality identity. Yahoo, Chinese educated Taiwanese, helped China identify and persecute freedom lovers; Softbank?? That's Korean, not Japan.

I have to agree with you.Softbank is not a Japanese company.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

It's a simple formality. Of the four operators in the U.S., one is entirely German-owned and another is 50% British-owned.

The government isn't going to stop it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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