Technology
Understanding Data Costs for Cellular Data in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Data Costs for Cellular Data in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide
For travelers and residents alike, understanding the cost of cellular data in Japan is crucial. Different mobile network operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offer a variety of plans tailored to meet specific needs. This guide provides insights into the average costs of a gigabyte of cellular data and presents plans offered by the major carriers in Japan.
The Major Carriers in Japan
Japan's major carriers, NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au KDDI, have plans that vary in price and offering, providing users with a range of choices. Below is an analysis of the cost per gigabyte of data from each of these carriers.
NTT Docomo
While NTT Docomo offers plans that can start at around ¥3000 to ¥4000 per month for unlimited data, a standalone gigabyte of data can cost ¥1000 to ¥1500. This pricing model can be advantageous for users who do not always need unlimited data but still require flexibility in their data usage.
au KDDI
Similar to NTT Docomo, au KDDI's plans often cost around ¥1000 to ¥1500 per gigabyte if not included in an unlimited data package. This consistency in pricing across these major carriers means that users should carefully consider their data usage needs and choose the most suitable plan.
SoftBank
SoftBank's pricing is comparable to NTT Docomo and au KDDI, with standalone gigabytes costing around ¥1000 to ¥1500. SoftBank is known for its innovative cellular data plans, which can offer significant value for money based on the user's data consumption.
MVNOs: Mobile Virtual Network Operators
MVNOs, such as Rakuten Mobile, often offer more affordable rates. Some plans provide gigabytes for as low as ¥300 to ¥500, depending on the plan. These operators can be a cost-effective option for users who do not require the extensive coverage and services provided by the major MNOs.
3G Data in Japan
For older devices that do not support LTE, 3G data in Japan offers an unlimited data plan with no data cap at all. This can be advantageous for users who are not heavy data users but prefer the simplicity of unlimited data.
Special Plans and Promotions
It is important to note that prices and offerings can vary based on promotions and plan types. For instance, the new LTE plans for iPhone 5, offered by SoftBank and au KDDI, include 7GB of data at LTE speed. After exceeding the 7GB mark, the data becomes 128kbps unlimited and users can purchase additional LTE data for ¥2625 per 2GB. This makes 1GB of LTE cost ¥780, and ultimately ¥1312 after 7GB.
Update: Upon reviewing the plans, SoftBank has removed the 7GB cap and additional cost per 2GB slices for mobile LTE usage on iPhone 5 users. Therefore, LTE data is free, and the 7GB cap and additional cost only apply to data used while tethering.
Prepaid Services for English-Speaking Users
If you are an English-speaking user planning to travel to Japan, some prepaid services charge roughly ¥4000 per GB. For example, such services might cost around ¥4000 per GB. These services can be particularly useful for travelers who do not wish to commit to long-term contracts or need to manage data usage flexibly.
Conclusion
The cost of cellular data in Japan can vary widely depending on the plan you choose and your usage habits. By understanding the different pricing models and available plans from the major carriers, you can make informed decisions to ensure you have sufficient data for your needs without overpaying. Always check the latest offerings and promotions from each carrier to find the best fit for your requirements.