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3G iPhone in Japan?
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Cost Breakdown
Hi Sushi
Thanks for the great breakdown of Softbank charges for the iPhone. I am still working out whether to go the 16gb or 32 gb iPod, but although I understand your breakdown...I can not understand how Softbank come to their minimum cost ie. 3,860 for the 32gb and 3,380 for the 16gb. When I do their figures I get the following:
iPhone minimum plan charges:
_315 yen --> S! Basic Pack (i)
_980 yen --> White Plan (for calling)
___0 Yen --> Phone calls
1029 Yen --> Data plan
1920 Yen --> Rebate credit from SoftBank
2324 Yen or 404 Yen (16gb)--> Subtotal
2880 Yen (2400 Yen for 16GB) --> Handset Cost
3284 Yen or 2804 (not the stated 3,860 (32gb) or 3,380 (16gb)) --> Monthly bill.
Any help with this would be much appreciated, as I'm stumped. I know that I would probably use the max packet rate, but will also be out of the country for over 1 month at times, so would like to know the lowest payment I would make.
Thanks heaps
pug
Hi Sushi
Thanks for the great breakdown of Softbank charges for the iPhone. I am still working out whether to go the 16gb or 32 gb iPod, but although I understand your breakdown...I can not understand how Softbank come to their minimum cost ie. 3,860 for the 32gb and 3,380 for the 16gb. When I do their figures I get the following:
iPhone minimum plan charges:
_315 yen --> S! Basic Pack (i)
_980 yen --> White Plan (for calling)
___0 Yen --> Phone calls
1029 Yen --> Data plan
1920 Yen --> Rebate credit from SoftBank
2324 Yen or 404 Yen (16gb)--> Subtotal
2880 Yen (2400 Yen for 16GB) --> Handset Cost
3284 Yen or 2804 (not the stated 3,860 (32gb) or 3,380 (16gb)) --> Monthly bill.
Any help with this would be much appreciated, as I'm stumped. I know that I would probably use the max packet rate, but will also be out of the country for over 1 month at times, so would like to know the lowest payment I would make.
Thanks heaps
pug
Here's how I understand it:
iPhone minimum plan charges (32GB 3GS):
_315 yen --> S! Basic Pack (i)
_980 yen --> White Plan (for calling)
___0 Yen --> Phone calls
1029 Yen --> Data plan
1920 Yen --> Rebate credit from SoftBank
2880 Yen --> Handset cost (24 payments)
3284 Yen --> Monthly cost
iPhone minimum plan charges (16GB 3GS):
_315 yen --> S! Basic Pack (i)
_980 yen --> White Plan (for calling)
___0 Yen --> Phone calls
1029 Yen --> Data plan
1920 Yen --> Rebate credit from SoftBank
2400 Yen --> Handset cost (24 payments)
2804 Yen --> Monthly cost
iPhone minimum plan charges (8GB 3G):
_315 yen --> S! Basic Pack (i)
_980 yen --> White Plan (for calling)
___0 Yen --> Phone calls
1029 Yen --> Data plan
1280 Yen --> Rebate credit from SoftBank
1280 Yen --> Handset cost (24 payments)
2324 Yen --> Monthly cost
On this page the 8GB cost figures match but the 32GB & 16GB 3GS models do not. There is a difference of 576 yen.
Not sure why that is. My guess is:
- A simple math error.
- They are including optional services but not listing them.
Regarding optional services, Voicemail is 315 per month. If you receive many voice messages, it might be a worthwhile option to consider.
You mentioned that you will be traveling at times. When I asked my local SoftBank shop about changing from White Plan (WP) to Double White Plan (DWP) or vice versa, they said that it is done on a billing cycle. So if the billing period is the 11th to the 10th, then before the 11th you would need to change your plan for it to take effect in the next billing period. While not sure, I assume that this applies to optional services as well.
Please tell us what you find out when you check with your local SoftBank shop.
It states that all prices are tax inclusive and that the extras cost extra. I noticed that on the japanese site which has a dynamic calculator of the monthly min. cost has the same difference in cost.
I think that even if I were to ask the softbank staff they will say that i am wrong because if the company says that that is the amount that those numbers add up to then who are they to think.
I think that even if I were to ask the softbank staff they will say that i am wrong because if the company says that that is the amount that those numbers add up to then who are they to think.
I believe that tax is already included.
Sounds good.
When I signed up, the staff wanted to include some optional services. One that I remember was Voicemail. I declined all. I figured that I would use my iPhone and then see what I needed.
On this page, they show three services for around 500 yen per month. Plus tax (?), maybe that is the difference. Also, if you want a printout of your bill there is a small fee (100 yen?). Detailed printout is double the fee (200 yen?). I must admit that I am confused by the difference.
My suggestion.
1. Print out the page with the figures.
2. Then ask for their help concerning costs. You want to understand how much it will cost to be sure. You have a limited budget. Yada yada.
3. Start with the 8GB 3G since those figures add up correctly. Be thankful for their help.
4. Then innocently ask about the 32GB 3GS. Then go through the figures as if they would work, then be surprised when they don't. Try it again. Be surprised. Ask for their help. That will get them to suck teeth, verify, and realize something isn't correct. Then they will probably tell you that they need to research before answering.
The key is to properly set yourself up for success. By following the order of the steps, you will be on the right path to the answer.
Hi fellas
The good news is that I have my iPhone and it's better than I expected. Bad news...well not that bad...it would seem that the extra 500 yen is related to the 1900 discount and Internet use. From what I could work out, it would seem that the discount applis to Internet use and the 315y for email. Even if the minmum Internet is used plus the 315, there is still the remaining 500 approx that can only be used on more Internet charges. It ca
n't be deducted from the white plan or headset charge. Basically, the minimum Internet charge is approx 1500y effectively.
Hope that makes sense...getting off the train, better head. Love my iPhone
The good news is that I have my iPhone and it's better than I expected. Bad news...well not that bad...it would seem that the extra 500 yen is related to the 1900 discount and Internet use. From what I could work out, it would seem that the discount applis to Internet use and the 315y for email. Even if the minmum Internet is used plus the 315, there is still the remaining 500 approx that can only be used on more Internet charges. It ca
n't be deducted from the white plan or headset charge. Basically, the minimum Internet charge is approx 1500y effectively.
Hope that makes sense...getting off the train, better head. Love my iPhone
Hi rtc
It was a piss-poor explanation. I'll try again...
Basically the 1920 Yen discount can only be used for data charges and for the S! Basic Pack. Considering the minimum data plan is 1029 and the S! Basic Pack is 315 (1344), that means iPhone 3GS Softbank users who use the minimum data usage plan only really get a discount of 1344 (not the 1920)...unless they use more internet - then they get the whole 1920. ie. someone who uses 1605 of data carges will be the same as someone who uses the minimum 1029.
I could have this totally wrong though as it was explained with a mobile phone translator and my guessing. The cust serv rep though was amazing and I reckon she knew her ****...so if there's a mistake,it would definitely be on my side.
Hope this is a bit clearer and enjoy your iPhone when it comes....
pug
It was a piss-poor explanation.
I'll try again...Basically the 1920 Yen discount can only be used for data charges and for the S! Basic Pack. Considering the minimum data plan is 1029 and the S! Basic Pack is 315 (1344), that means iPhone 3GS Softbank users who use the minimum data usage plan only really get a discount of 1344 (not the 1920)...unless they use more internet - then they get the whole 1920. ie. someone who uses 1605 of data carges will be the same as someone who uses the minimum 1029.
I could have this totally wrong though as it was explained with a mobile phone translator and my guessing. The cust serv rep though was amazing and I reckon she knew her ****...so if there's a mistake,it would definitely be on my side.
Hope this is a bit clearer and enjoy your iPhone when it comes....
pug
Pug,
That actually makes sense, I mean I am sure that you make sense most of the time, I was more referring to what SB is doing.
I can't wait. If I keep putting it off I am going to explode. I have already bought a case and various accessories in anticipation. I feel like such a nerd.
That actually makes sense, I mean I am sure that you make sense most of the time, I was more referring to what SB is doing.
I can't wait. If I keep putting it off I am going to explode. I have already bought a case and various accessories in anticipation. I feel like such a nerd.
Pug, you are correct as to Softbank's pricing. To get the full discount, you need to spend it on services. Since calls with the White Plan are expensive, even with Double White, most should not have a problem. Also, my local SB shop said that all iPhone users typically reach the monthly max on the packet transfer, so again, the extra 500 yen will be applied. Also, any additional SB campaign running right now gives 5 months free for the basic White Plan coverage. And, if you are using Yahoo for internet and BB Phone, sign up for White Call 24 with the White Plan and you will be able to call any Yahoo BB phone using the 050 number for free. And, you can call from your Yahoo BB phone to SB keitai for free.
Thanks for the info PJT
I am wondering if the iPhone visual voicemail would also be included in the discount...might have to check it out.
Yes, visual voice mail would be covered. SB offers a special deal when ordering visual voice mail, call waiting and 3 ways calls as a package. I didn't need the last two, so just have VVM on its own. I think it is something like 315 yen a month. I recommend it because with VVM, any messages are placed on your iPhone. Without it, you will get a notice that someone left a message, but you incur call charges to call into the message center to retrieve them. So if you get a lot of messages, it is great. Plus you can go straight to the message you want to hear.
If you live near a Costco, and have membership, check and see if the SB people are there. Two weeks ago they were giving away 10,000 Costco gift certificates for signing up there. Not sure how long that promotion was running for.
Switching to iPhone has been great for my family. We love ours.
Advice for selling iPhone 3G 16 GB (Softbank)
Hi,
Just got back from the Omotesando Softbank store where I picked up an iPhone 3GS.
I'd like to sell my iPhone 3G now. It's black, 16 GB, and in great condition. Got it new on 11/07/08 from the Ginza Apple Store when my original one from Yamada Denki crapped out. Got the receipt in hand.
I'm not sure of the best way to go about selling it. I'm still paying the installments on it, but surely I can sell it to someone? It's locked to Softbank though. However, I know it can be unlocked through a jailbreak, right?
I see people on ebay selling AT&T ones for about $300. I was even thinking of selling it as a double package with a Samsung SH phone (not in hand, don't know the model) that I bought in May 2008, and is fully paid off. It has one-seg and Sony felica. Of course, locked to Softbank as well.
Any suggestions on pricing, or offers (if that's acceptable to ask on this forum, sorry if it isn't). I'd appreciate it. I never sold a mobile phone before. I even have a giant poster of 犬父 and a little keychain I can throw in!
Hi,
Just got back from the Omotesando Softbank store where I picked up an iPhone 3GS.
I'd like to sell my iPhone 3G now. It's black, 16 GB, and in great condition. Got it new on 11/07/08 from the Ginza Apple Store when my original one from Yamada Denki crapped out. Got the receipt in hand.
I'm not sure of the best way to go about selling it. I'm still paying the installments on it, but surely I can sell it to someone? It's locked to Softbank though. However, I know it can be unlocked through a jailbreak, right?
I see people on ebay selling AT&T ones for about $300. I was even thinking of selling it as a double package with a Samsung SH phone (not in hand, don't know the model) that I bought in May 2008, and is fully paid off. It has one-seg and Sony felica. Of course, locked to Softbank as well.
Any suggestions on pricing, or offers (if that's acceptable to ask on this forum, sorry if it isn't). I'd appreciate it. I never sold a mobile phone before. I even have a giant poster of 犬父 and a little keychain I can throw in!
iPhones for sale on Yahoo Japan's auction site
Yahoo Japan auction/Softbank/Apple
Looking at Yahoo Japan's iPhone auctions, you should be able to get more 35,000 for a 16GB unit in good shape.
Yahoo Japan auction/Softbank/Apple
Oh, cool, thanks.
One question - do I have to pay it off completely before selling it? I intend to use the money I get on the auction to pay off the phone. While I'm paying it off, can the new owner use it on the Softbank network?
This is exactly the scenario that people have been discussing in this thread; SoftBank (according to the CSR I spoke with) is identifying foreign-purchased by IMEI and will not cap data usage fees like they will with iPhones purchased in Japan.
Might just be BS. I know someone who has been tethering with an unlocked UK 3G iPhone, and they still haven't done anything.
Well you can give it a try. The fact stands that a lot of people in this scenario, including myself and a couple of friends, had receive huge bills ($1000+) for June/ July. Is it possible that your friend uses a smart phone contract or even regular iPhone contract? In that case he might get away with it. According to my information, it is not done by IMEI but by phone identifier. If the identifier does not match the purchased phone category, smart/ Internet capable vs regular phone, contractual flat rates and discounts do not apply.