Japans Softbank Giving Away iPhones

Japan mobile carrier SoftBank Mobile has begun offering a free 8GB iPhone to entice customers to sign-up for lucrative two-year data plans.

As part of its “iPhone for Everybody Campaign,” Softbank is giving away the iPhone, which previously sold for $238.21 in Japan.

Through May, the carrier is also discounting the 16GB iPhone, charging just $4.96 per month, or $119.11 over the two-year contract.

When SoftBank began selling iPhones in July of last year, the 16GB handset carried a $238.21 price tag.

The program is just the latest offering consumers discounted iPhones. Earlier this week, electronics retailer Best Buy began offering iPhones for up to $100 off.

The discounts come as both retailers and carriers look to the June Worldwide Developer Conference, at which many believe Apple could unveil a new iPhone version.