Japan’s Mobile Video Service ‘NotTV’ Passes 400,000 Paid Subscribers

NotTV, at CEATEC Japan

This past July we wrote about Mmbi Inc’s NotTV mobile television service, which at that point had surpassed 100,000 subscribers after its April launch. There’s now word from Mmbi this week that the service has now broken the 400,000 subscriber milestone, as of December 22. NotTV needed just 266 days to reach this landmark.

It’s important to understand that each of those subscribers is a paying customer, as the mobile channel costs 420 yen (almost $5) each month. If we do some quick math we can see that means nearly a cool $2 million monthly.

Currently the service is available in 14 Japanese prefectures, but it is expected that service will expand to all prefectures in 2013. Mmbi’s previously stated goal for its first year was one million subscribers, and with a little luck it could very well reach that mark if growth keeps up in the new year.

NotTV will launch a new promotional effort from tomorrow until January 6, as part of a New Year’s campaign. If that goes well, it could certainly help bring in some new subscribers.

NotTV is supported by Docomo, as most of its winter lineup of handsets are compatible with the service. So Mmbi could see another surge in sign-ups when the carrier’s spring lineup hits shelves next year too.

[NotTV via S-Max]