My understanding is that both Softbank and DoCoMo have 3G flat rate plans for about 10,000 yen/month for use with a so-called smart phone. I think flat rate is the only way to go if you plan to use a lot of data. I think all 3 carriers have cheaper flat rate plans if you are using a non-smart phone, but these are still expensive compared to places like Hong Kong.
None of the 3 big carriers have a flat rate plan if you want a cellular connection for your laptop. Willcom and E-Mobile do for around 5,000 yen a month, but E-Mobile's coverage is supposedly still a bit patchy and Willcom has good coverage but in not 3G (although I find their service plenty fast enough for everyday use).
DoCoMo will, I believe, have new a packet plan coming out on 1 June, which may allow you to use the cellular connection for laptops (I'm not 100% sure). Softbank have said they will match the pricing of any of their competitors
Andrew
www.pocketpcjapan.com
-----Original Message-----
From: keitai-l-bounce_at_appelsiini.net [mailto:keitai-l-bounce_at_appelsiini.net] On Behalf Of Nick May
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 10:31 AM
To: keitai-l_at_appelsiini.net
Subject: (keitai-l) Re: SoftBank & Apple
It's a shame really - for although their basic plans are quite cheap,
I believe (?) they are pricey if one creates a lot of network traffic.
Is this correct - how do they compare to Docomo and au for network
traffic cost?
Nick
On 14 May 2007, at 08:45, Craig Kovatch wrote:
> I stopped by SoftBank's flagship store in Harajuku yesterday. They now
> have an entire display selling both standard and nano iPods, along
Received on Mon May 14 21:28:36 2007