No personal hotspot in Japan

[ChristianVirtual]

looks like again in Japan we have again a "special" treatment from our carrier. Like the iPad got a SIM-lock now we will not be able to use hotspot. It's again a schoolbook sample of not having a competition.

What I really don't understand is why those companies care how I spend my data volume. Specially case of not having a flat rate. Do the really expect I get a contract for each device; as a private person ?

So now it's time for me to look for alternatives and I wonder: how is your experience with mobile wifi router ? Those would be a perfect tool for me to use with my iPad and also MBA when I am on the road. No voice or SMS needed. Its only for data. Its also not for heavy download of media files, just some sync with server, surfing, email.

Any news on LTE mobile router from NTT ?
Is there something from au ?
I even would go with an Android if those would allow simlilar connection sharing (and only for that)

 

[Applejuiced]

Why not JB it and get the personal hotspot feature for free?

 

[ChristianVirtual]

Why not JB it and get the personal hotspot feature for free?

My iP4 is from my company; JB is not an option here. Plus I don't like it anyway. Did on some Old devices to look and learn; but not on "production" tools. Plus I always get the latest FW as soon as available.

 

[Applejuiced]

Up to you.

 

[TheMacBookPro]

looks like again in Japan we have again a "special" treatment from our carrier. Like the iPad got a SIM-lock now we will not be able to use hotspot. It's again a schoolbook sample of not having a competition.

What I really don't understand is why those companies care how I spend my data volume. Specially case of not having a flat rate. Do the really expect I get a contract for each device; as a private person ?

So now it's time for me to look for alternatives and I wonder: how is your experience with mobile wifi router ? Those would be a perfect tool for me to use with my iPad and also MBA when I am on the road. No voice or SMS needed. Its only for data. Its also not for heavy download of media files, just some sync with server, surfing, email.

Any news on LTE mobile router from NTT ?
Is there something from au ?
I even would go with an Android if those would allow simlilar connection sharing (and only for that)

They do that b/c they only want you to use your phone's data on your phone. Usage on your phone only will probably result in less data usage than if you shared the same connection to all of your devices, so they can avoid overloading the network and not have to pay as much to provide you with data.

Assuming you're on SoftBank, there is a flat-rate plan, which you're required to subscribe to in order to get the black iphone-specific microsim: the 4410 yen Packet Houdai flat rate plan. Sure, you don't have to pay that much if you don't use it (1029 minimum, goes up to a max of 4410 based on your usage, after that it's unlimited), but to go from 1029>4410 yen you only have to use several megabytes (1029 yen = 1.6MB of data) (yes, megabyte). No point really in having such a 'tiered' data plan when just loading the Asahi Shimbun will push you to the 4410 yen barrier.

Try the NTT docomo 3G router. LTE doesn't work when moving (trains, cars, etc) while 3G does. As Japan's 3G networks are already lightning fast, I would take the added convenience over the additional speed. Battery life is also better on 3G (2~3 hours on LTE v 5~6 hours on 3G). I have the Huawei HW-01C (3G only) and compared it to the BIC WiMax Pocket WiFi.

Cheers

 

[monchiwai]

I feel your pain.
I was so excited when I saw the news that 4.3 was released and updated my ip4 the first thing in the morning. Only to realize there is no Personal Hotspot feature in JP. Sucks.

 

[199708]

Really not happy about this. If rumors are correct that AU gets the iphone, I'll consider switching back over unless the service is also crippled.