Japan to let cell phone operators decide whether to unlock handsets

The communications ministry in Japan will let mobile phone operators decide whether to unlock handsets to remove restrictions on user access to services as far as current third-generation cell phones are concerned, ministry officials said Tuesday. As KDDI Corp has adopted a communications format for its ''au'' mobile phone service that is different from other operators, limits on access will remain even if the unlocking of handsets is made mandatory, the officials said in reference to the ministry's decision.