SoftBank Corp launches strategic partnership with leading AI startup Perplexity

• One-year subscription to premium version of “Perplexity” an AI answer engine, to be offered at no charge

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) today announced a strategic partnership with generative AI search startup Perplexity. In line with the partnership, from June 19, 2024, SoftBank will accept applications from customers using its ‘SoftBank,’ ‘Y!mobile’ and ‘LINEMO’ mobile services (“3 brands”) to use “Perplexity Pro” for a one-year, free-of-charge trial. Perplexity Pro is a paid subscription service (regularly^*1 2,950 yen per month or 29,500 yen per year) that provides access to the premium version of “Perplexity,” the revolutionary AI answer engine^*2.

Perplexity is a conversational AI answer engine that can be used in web browsers and apps. When customers pose questions, Perplexity provides highly accurate answers based on the latest information available on the Internet while displaying information sources to ensure reliable responses. With the premium version of Perplexity, Perplexity Pro, users can select from different advanced large language models (LLMs) to benefit from a more comprehensive service. With this trial offer, customers of the 3 brands will be able to enjoy Perplexity Pro to their heart's content at no charge for one year. Among Japan's mobile operators, the trial offer is exclusive to customers of SoftBank's 3 brands.

For details on the one-year free trial to use Perplexity Pro, please see here (in Japanese). Note that applications will be accepted starting at 9:00 AM on June 19th.

*1

The prices for using the Android OS version of the app as of June 17, 2024. As of the same date, the regular prices for the iOS version of the app are 3,000 yen per month / 30,000 yen per year, and the web version prices are 20 US dollars per month / 200 US dollars per year. For the latest prices, please check each app store or the web. Note that customers of the 3 brands can use Perplexity Pro for free for one year in any case.

*2

Perplexity will provide Perplexity Pro at no charge for one year to customers of the 3 brands, and SoftBank Corp. will handle the application process and other related matters.