The Japanese government is planning to offer exams for people who want to be mobile phone guides. The guides will help customers learn how to use all the functions that their phones offer and explain the complicated billing system used to charge for various services like text messaging and data downloads. In Japan, talking on the phone while commuting in a bus or train is frowned upon so many users will text message or Web brows while in transit.

“The scheme is aimed at helping users understand not only complicated functions of mobile phones but also complicated pricing formulas,” said an official at the telecoms ministry.

The mobile guides will be employed in shops that sell handsets. Besides explaining how to use their phones and explain the billing system, guides will help parents learn how to control the Web browsing of their children.