Message service Line entering carrier business in Japan

URAYASU, Japan (AP) — Line Corp., which offers a popular mobile message and online voice-call service, is entering the mobile carrier business in Japan, promising to underprice competition as it grows its platform for news, music, games, live streaming and online shopping.

Jun Masuda, chief strategy and marketing officer, told reporters that the mobile carrier service will be launched in a few months, starting at an affordable 500 yen ($4.40) a month and offering reliable connectivity using the telecommunications infrastructure of major Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo.

Line says it plans to make online payments easier, partnering with a major Japanese credit card company and offering its own cash cards that can be charged at a convenience store chain.