JCI apparently doesn't understand how to make money with a mobile data network. Conventional wisdom holds that customers should pay premium prices for redundant services. Need a data plan for a tablet? That'll be an additional 50 bucks, thank you.
So, I don't know what the folks at JCE were thinking when they announced the equivalent of a "shared minutes" scheme, with 2 SIMs using the same data plan. My goodness, they're going to ruin it for the whole industry.
;)
A 2 GB LTE "4G" data plan is split between two separate SIM cards for ¥2,970/month, less than the cost of their 1 GB flat rate 3G SIM. Regular size and microSIMs can be mixed. Any 3G devices will work at normal speeds. These SIMs are data-only and available from either Amazon or Yodobashi.
A retail package containing two SIM cards costs ¥3,150. At the time of purchase, the SIMs are unactivated and have no charge. A credit card must be used to add a service plan for ¥2,970/month. If 2 GB is exceed in a month, additional data can be added at ¥525/100 MB. As far as I can tell, the SIMs are permanently deactivated if service is cancelled.
This would be excellent for a pair of secondary data devices, such as two tablets or handsets that don't need voice, and is perfect for a couple where one person uses much less data than the other.
I'm following your website for some time now, very interesting! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm at the point to buy a new phone/plan and because prices in Europe are much cheaper for mobile internet, I can't allow myself to pay Japan's ridiculous internet fee. Do you think the following would work;
- Get a sim-unlocked Samsung Galaxy SIII (on Amazon for example; http://www.amazon.co.jp/Samsung-Galaxy-16GB-GT-I9300-SIM%E3%83%95%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC-%E3%83%9B%E3%83%AF%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88/dp/B0087O9084/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345523473&sr=8-1)
- Apply for a data only plan (bmobile 4G)
- Apply for OCN VoIP and use that number on the SIII
This way I would pay 52.000 yen (one time) for the phone, and monthly 3000 yen (or cheaper with a 6/12 month plan) for 2GB, using a 050 VoIPnumber with cheap calling.
Does b-mobile filter VoIP traffic? Or any other show stoppers for this solution?
Thank you for shared it!
ReplyDeleteDo you think I can buy and use it just in one device? I absolutely need 2 gb and it seems the best solution for me (and the difference with the 1gb one it's absurd!!!)