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3G iPhone in Japan?

Unlocked iPhone working on NTT - want to switch to Softbank

Very interesting reading on this forum - thanks especially to the regulars on here who have shared so much.

I just arrived - I will be mostly based in Japan for the next 12 months or so. I have an unlocked Canadian iPhone that is currently working (phone only - no data) on Docomo very well.

I want to get data, and have struggled with NTT's strange APN nonsense - and am not eager to pay 13,000 yen (how do I get a yen symbol) per month for data. Softbank is apparently pretty crappy in my neighborhood (Niigata), and it sounds like it is pretty tough to get a Softbank iPhone SIM card.

Does anyone have any tips? I got a SIM from Docomo by using an old docomo phone - went in and activated it. Then popped it into my iPhone. I don't have a softbank phone - but am thinking they can't be that hard to find. But it wouldn't help since it sounds like I need a specific iPhone SIM. Is there a used market for old iPhones that I could try to buy? I guess the phone hasn't been available in Japan for that long yet...

I was thinking about getting one of those MyFi type devices from e-mobile (ecomm? something e-like) I used one of those for a bit in North America, and found it handy - since I also have a couple of iPads. (yes - my family is fairly apple-addicted!). While in Canada, I used the Rogers 6gb plan (~$30 US/mth) which worked great with MyWi, but since Softbank seems to be so protective of their iPhone SIMs, I suppose a MyFi would be ok...

I have half a mind to sit on my hands for a month until Jobs announces the next iPhone - since it would be in my nature to order it the second I can, which would solve my Softbank iPhone SIM issue pretty quickly... But since I already have two iPhones (and two iPads), I really don't need another 3GS...
 
My son is in Yokosuka Japan and he got an iphone there. He said that he didn't actually pay for the phone up front and he pays about $70 month, that includes service and no doubt payment for the phone.
 
iPhone 3GS, from Bangkok to Tokyo

Just FYI: I bought an iPhone 3GS in Bangkok last fall, and since then I have been using it without problem in Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and the US (AT&T Gophone). I switch SIMs when I'm on the plane...

I had an existing Softbank contract in Japan, and I have purchased "pay as you go" minutes in Thailand and Taiwan. I could have used Softbank in Taiwan, in fact, but the international charges would have been very high.

But there is no problem with using the phone in any of these locations, as far as I can tell. One caveat: I do not use 3G for data access anywhere, just for phone calls; I use wifi at home, etc.

http://images.macrumors.com/vb/images/smilies/wink.gif
 
Skype over 3G

I just read the thread that Skype can now be used over 3G. This makes great sense to my wallet, but none at all to Softbank's. This may sound like a dumb question, but is this for real? If I can use Skype for a few yen per minute to call a landline here in Japan, why would I ever pay for White Plan minutes? Since it is using the 3G network, then I should see no additional charges beyond my usually packet 4,500/month, should I?
 
Mail push/fetch problems lately?

Has anyone noticed delays with the "push" setting using POP mail account on your Softbank iPhone lately?
Mail sent to my i.softbank.jp address still arrives instantly, but over the last few days I've noticed that mail sent to a POP account can take up up to 15 minutes to arrive (15 min. is the minimum Fetch setting for when push is OFF). And of course I have push set to ON (never had it set to OFF).
The only mail related setting I have made recently is to download the "FON Wi-Fi設定" profile that Softbank made available on May 31 (I confirmed that it worked in Starbucks today, with full Wi-Fi Internet access).
If anyone has experienced mail push problems recently, I would be interested to hear.
 
Using iPhone on Softbank Network by renting SIM card

I contacted Softbank yesterday about the possibility of using my AT&T iPhone in Japan on their network and simply renting a sim card. Here is the text from their reply. I hope it is helpful.

************

Dear #####,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Differing from regular SIM cards, we have iPHONE SIM cards specialized for iPhone users.
For your reference, please check:

iPhone SIM card:
Available Airport: Narita Airport, Central Japan Int’l Airport, and Kansai Int’l Airport.
Reservation: Not available (Due to the small inventory for iPhone SIM cards, we rent iPhone Sim cards by first comes, first serves bases.
Please check the stock at the airport counter on the day of your arrival.)
Rental Fee: 105JPY/ Day
Call Charge: 105JPY/ Minutes
Incoming Charge: Free (Including Int’l calls)
SMS: (Sending) 15JPY/ Msg (Receiving) Free
Web/MMS: Please refer to the following information.

Please make sure your iPhones are unlocked to your carrier in the US (AT&T).

For further queries, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,
Customer Care
rent@softbank-rental.jp
GSM Rentafone Pty Ltd. Japan Branch
Ｍ21 Bldg. Level 5, Roppongi
2-2-5 Minato, Tokyo 106-0032
Ph: +81 3 3560 7730 Fax: +81 3 3560 7733:D
 
Here is what I have found:

Softbank:
SIM Only - can get it on a 2 year contract. Breaking the contract is Y9000. This seems to be true of all Softbank contracts though - the contract will roll, so in month 25 you are starting a new 2 year contract. Monthly data fee is up to Y5900.

New iPhone - Same Y9000 to break the contract, plus you will have to pay the phone 'lease' cost x the number of months remaining on the contract. The 3GS is Y1920 per month - which you get discounted when you commit to the data-hodai plan, but have to pay it if you cancel.

So - by month 13 you have paid the same amount as if you got the SIM only. Somewhere between 6 to 12 months, you are probably better off getting the new phone (even if you just sell it or keep it as a backup)...

Docomo
I was able to get a Docomo SIM by bringing in an old docomo phone. I added the data option, and setup the mopera stuff on the phone. My Canadian unlocked iPhone now works fine on Docomo. I am not 100% clear whether I will be capped at Y10,000 - but this is what I have been told. The Docomo network works MUCH better than Softbank in my area, and the plan I setup is month to month, so I can cancel anytime without penalty. If anyone knows how much the per Kb (or Mb) cost is on docomo pay as you go it would be nice to know.
I am also unclear how much texting costs - seems everything I try to do in Japan mobile is VERY expensive, so I am hoping to keep calling on Skype, use GPS, data, Acrobits VoiP, Fring, Text+ and be mostly a data phone.

I have been considering one of the MyFi type devices. The Softbank one looks ok, and is fairly cheap (I think about Y22000). I don't love the idea of carrying it around, and obviously receiving calls is useless, but it would give me the cheapest data to my iPhone and iPad while here. I was told that this device does not require the 24 month cancellation fee, which is another bonus. I may go with a Softbank SIM for voice, and a MyFi type device for data...

Docomo is significantly more expensive, but the only decent reception around my parts. The iPhone contract is attractive, since it is much nicer to end up owning another phone, and actually saving money after about month 12 or 13...

Just thought I would share my thoughts and things I have found.
 
You know, after reading everything you wrote, I had to come to the same conclusion about mine. I am selling the sucker, and I'm considering buying the new one from Softbank and using it for data. It's not a bad deal, since you can use it to call all your softbank friends. In reality it pays for itself, provided you don't mind carrying around two phones. You get the best of both worlds, the white plan, and an actual callling plan for everyone else.


As far as getting data on Docomo, the basic charge is about 2000 yen for 2 MB of data downloaded. And then you get capped at whatever rate you manage to get.

However, have you thought about getting that new Sony Xperia from Docomo? It's evidently Docomo's best selling smartphone ever, and its only been out for a few months. It's got android on it. Docomo will give you a data cap of about 5500 yen or something (give or take 1000 yen). So you're doing better than I used to do at 13000 yen. LOL

Hope that helps,

sealab
 
Thanks for the Xperia tip. I have been looking at Android phones. I was playing with the Nexus One and a couple of Android phones - I do really like a few of them, but the Xperia is not on my short list.

I hope to see the iPhone 4 pricing soon...

Have you heard of b-Mobile? They seem to be really slow, but might be enough for basic VoIP, emailing and light browsing on an unlocked iPhone... It seems they don't provide cell phone functionality, but most of that I can get through a persistent data connection (with VoIP and SIP apps)
 
I looked at B-mobile's website. It seems that they partner with Docomo to provide 3G internet through a data connect 3G usb card. If that's the case, I am assuming that you are going to use that chip and try to use it in your iPhone?
 
I was actually referring to their SIM:
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/sim/

This looks like it would work, and be affordable. But a little slow.

I signed up yesterday for the iPhone 4. I happened to be at a mall that had a softbank store, saw the sign and thought - what the heck... I was there at quarter to 5 (started selling/pre-ordering at 5) and I got #6 for their wait list cards... Within a few minutes it was crazy... Anyway - it seems silly to not take a new phone - it actually works out cheaper than doing it with your own hardware. I am nervous about the Softbank reception in my area, but if it is terrible I will just have to deal with it or switch.

If Docomo had a better smartphone, I would be all over it, but the only interesting device they have is the xperia, which I think is a little underwhelming considering the alternatives.

This may be a whole new thread - but do you know (or anyone know) of any English maps for Japan that are decent? I need maps that are outside of the big cities. Google is amazing, but my Japanese is weak... I am thinking Web based (or of course, iPhone based).
 
PJT said:
I just read the thread that Skype can now be used over 3G. This makes great sense to my wallet, but none at all to Softbank's. This may sound like a dumb question, but is this for real? If I can use Skype for a few yen per minute to call a landline here in Japan, why would I ever pay for White Plan minutes? Since it is using the 3G network, then I should see no additional charges beyond my usually packet 4,500/month, should I?
Click to expand...
I haven't tried to use Skype to a landline, but Skype to Skype works fine and is very convenient.

Some mention above concerning E-mobile's Pocket WiFi. They are currently running a promotion. Forget when it ends -- maybe June 30th -- where you can receive 1,000 discount for the first 13 months of your contract.

So instead of a iPad 3G, it might be better to get an iPad WiFi and a Pocket WiFi.
 
sushi said:
So instead of a iPad 3G, it might be better to get an iPad WiFi and a Pocket WiFi.
Click to expand...

I have been using MyWi for a while now on my 3Gs and it works great creating a wifi network for my devices (including a wifi only iPad bought when first released in the US). It is nice, since the iPhone is always on me. Only downside is that it really drains power quickly - so I usually use it plugged in (ie: in my car so that my iPad will work with maps etc)...

I do love Skype calling on the iPhone as well. I haven't tried calling to cell phones and landlines over skype much in Japan - does anyone know the cost of doing this compared to using White Plan minutes. I am just got here from Canada, where we use our paid minutes for incoming and outgoing calls. The white plan seems perfect - you make outgoing calls on Skype (or Acrobits or some other SIP service), and incoming calls are free. I like!

I am hoping that I can jailbreak the iPhone 4 - so that I can take advantage of MyWi - though Skype's ability to call while on 3g networks now makes that benefit of jailbreaking a moot point - at least until January when they start billing for it.
 
You guys should try UQ Wireless' 15 day free trial.

I've got an e-mobile pocket MyFi, but the speed on UQ's WiMAX network complete blows away e-mobile. Literally 10x faster.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to switch.

The only issue is that the MiFi models are a bit bigger than emobile's pocketMiFi.
 
askywalker said:
I have been using MyWi for a while now on my 3Gs and it works great creating a wifi network for my devices (including a wifi only iPad bought when first released in the US). It is nice, since the iPhone is always on me. Only downside is that it really drains power quickly - so I usually use it plugged in (ie: in my car so that my iPad will work with maps etc)...
Click to expand...
I think I would go with Emobile's Pocket WiFi.

images.jpeg

Similar to Verizon's MiFi. Supports up to 5 devices at 7.2Mbps advertised speed.

This way the iPhone stays charged. Plus I can use with my regular laptop, iPad and any other WiFi using device. No JB'ing required. Simple solution.
 
sushi said:
I think I would go with Emobile's Pocket WiFi.

View attachment 231020

Similar to Verizon's MiFi. Supports up to 5 devices at 7.2Mbps advertised speed.
Click to expand...

It doesn't come close to 7.2. Real world max is just under 4 down, normally slower than that. On the other hand, WiMAX can easily pull down 12Mbps.

I plan on replacing my e-mobile pocket wifi with this: http://www.shinseishop.jp/SHOP/URoad-7000.html

Here's a test of my e-mobile device in my apt:

850097022.png


Here's the UQ WiMAX device I borrowed 2 weeks ago:

828506039.png


BTW: The service prices are the same, however the e-mobile unit is more expensive.
 
I believe they don't have as much coverage yet as e-mobile, so you might have issues in areas of Kyushu, Hokkaido or the mountains. Other major metro areas have awesome coverage though. I had no problems all over Aichi.

You'd have look up your specific area though through webpage:

http://www.uqwimax.jp/service/area/

As for the battery, I wouldn't know. That model I plan on buying won't be released until the 30th of this month. The model I borrowed through the 15 day free trial had a compartment for a battery, but no battery included.

My e-mobile device can go for 2.5 to 4 hours depending on usage. However, I usually plugged it into the usb port on my laptop to charge. It does have power saving features, so if you're not using it, it'll turn off the 3G radio and last much longer. After a while, it'll turn off Wi-Fi too and you have to push a button to turn that back on. Those functions are all adjustable too. I'd imagine WiMAX routers have similar options.

That's another great thing about the new UQ Wireless mobile router, it also supports USB power input. So, you can keep it going via laptop power, external battery, or usb to wall plug.
 
zentraedi said:
I believe they don't have as much coverage yet as e-mobile, so you might have issues in areas of Kyushu, Hokkaido or the mountains.
Click to expand...
Looks like it's a no-go for me. Not enough coverage for my needs.

zentraedi said:
That's another great thing about the new UQ Wireless mobile router, it also supports USB power input. So, you can keep it going via laptop power, external battery, or usb to wall plug.
Click to expand...
I'm confused by this comment.

The E-mobile Pocket WiFi and the SoftBank Pocket WiFi both can run off labtop USB power, external USB battery and by using a USB power adapter into a wall plug.

Seems the same to me as the UQ device.

Must be missing something.

Looks like I will need to decide between SoftBank or E-mobile. Right now SoftBank's coverage looks better to me.
 
Does anyone know what the cost for an upgrade at from iPhone 3G to iPhone 4 32 GB is? I've been with Softbank since the iPhone 3G's release just under two years ago.
 
Gokunama said:
Does anyone know what the cost for an upgrade at from iPhone 3G to iPhone 4 32 GB is? I've been with Softbank since the iPhone 3G's release just under two years ago.
Click to expand...
I would suggest visiting your local SoftBank store to find out for sure based on your particular situation.

I inquired at my local store yesterday, and was told my upgrade would be free if I get the new iPhone 4G. My contract for my iPhone 3GS is less than a year old.

Personally waiting to see the iPhone 4G in person before I make a decision. May just wait until the next one.
 
sushi said:
I'm confused by this comment.

The E-mobile Pocket WiFi and the SoftBank Pocket WiFi both can run off labtop USB power, external USB battery and by using a USB power adapter into a wall plug.

Seems the same to me as the UQ device.

Must be missing something.
Click to expand...

That's what I meant. I used "also" to refer to both devices. I guess it was unclear.

I don't really consider the battery issue to be that big of deal as long as it can be powered off USB. That's why they're both great in that respect.
 
sushi said:
Thanks for the explanation. :)

Question. What is the difference between the Pocket WiFi version offered by SoftBank and the one offered by E-mobile?
Click to expand...

As far as I can tell, the Softbank one supports Softbank's frequencies as well as E-mobile's.

Apparently, they have some sort of crazy system where you get 2 SIM cards. One allows you use Softbank's larger network, albeit at a metered rate. It also supports roaming abroad.

The other card connects to Softbank's MVNO which runs on top of E-Mobile's network and has unlimited usage.
 
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