Availability of the iPhone 5 in Japan
The iPhone 5 is available directly from two carriers, Au by KDDI and Softbank Mobile. Unlocked overseas versions can be purchased, but usage will be impossible on KDDI's network and tricky on Softbank's. Neither carrier will allow you to use an unlocked iPhone that they didn't sell you.Expansys Japan is taking preorders for unlocked overseas models. These can theoretically be used on NTT Docomo Xi network or with an MVNO such as b-mobile, if the issues concerning the different SIM size and thickness with the new nano SIM can be overcome.
Network
Compatible Networks
- NTT Docomo's Xi LTE network (and any MVNO using Docomo - including FOMA)
- Softbank's 4G LTE network
- KDDI by AU's LTE network
FDD-LTE
All carriers will have Band 1 (2100 MHz) FDD-LTE networks in operation by launch of the iPhone 5 on September 21. NTT Docomo's Xi network is the most well developed, but KDDI and Softbank Mobile are quickly building out their LTE networks. A recent compilation of the of number of LTE base stations currently deployed indicates that the AU LTE is the smallest.However, there is about a 6 week delay between when functional stations are added and when the MIC lists are updated. KDDI CEO Tanaka indicated during a recent interview that KDDI has a larger number of LTE base stations that can be activated when needed, and that the MIC numbers don't necessarily reflect these unlicensed stations.
Simultaneous voice and LTE data
No carrier in Japan is capable of simultaneous voice and LTE data transmission. Until VoLTE (voice over LTE is implemented), during a phone call, the data connection will fall back to 3G speeds when using a W-CDMA carrier (NTT Docomo and Softbank Mobile). In the case of KDDI's CDMA-2000 voice network, the data connection will shut off completely. While there are solutions for this problem on CDMA-2000 networks, it requires the usage of an additional antenna, which consumes more power and space. Apple chose not to implement this.Tethering
A lot of attention has been focused on the lack of a tethering function in the Softbank demonstration model seen by the press. There is a chance that Softbank will add this because that is the largest discrepancy between their service compared to KDDI's.Tethering is available for free if using B-Mobile or NTT Docomo. KDDI is offering free tethering, but (apparently) only for two years. From the AU price page:
申込期間：2012年12月31日まで。無料期間中の通信量の増量はありません。無料期間終了後は通信速度が制限されずにご利用できる通信量が500MB追加されます。
Application period until 12/31/2012. During the free tethering period, the data cap is not increased. Once the free tethering period ends, speed will not be decreased and the data cap will be increased by 500 MB for tethering subscribers.This also indicates that tethering will be an additional service that must be added.
Price
Both KDDI and Softbank Mobile take different routes to arrive at the exact same pricing for new customers who port over a new number and for new customers who aren't moving from another carrier.Yeah, there's no collusion in that.
The absolute minimum monthly cost for an iPhone 5 is ¥5,775 for a 16 GB model from both Softbank and KDDI if you're a new customer who ports in a phone number from another carrier. If you are a new customer who doesn't have existing mobile service in Japan, add ¥980 for a total of ¥6,755. The most expensive will be for existing AU customers at ¥7,145.
AU by KDDI
KDDI's discount is slightly better than Softbank's, especially for new customers, but the cost of the handset is more expensive, evening things out..
Cost of KDDI iPhone 5
New Contract
|
Existing Customer
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 GB
(¥61,680) |
32 GB
(¥72,000) |
64 Gb
(¥82,320) |
16 GB
(¥61,680) |
32 GB
(¥72,000) |
64 Gb
(¥82,320) |
|
Monthly cost
|
¥2,570
|
¥3,000
|
¥3,430
|
¥2,570
|
¥3,000
|
¥3,430
|
Montly subsidy
|
-¥2,570
|
-¥2,180
| ||||
Monthly total
|
¥0
|
¥430
|
¥860
|
¥390
|
¥820
|
¥1,250
|
2-year total
|
¥0
|
¥10,320
|
¥20,640
|
¥9,360
|
¥19,680
|
¥30,000
|
Carrying over the "monthly total" from the above table into the cost for service gives the following. There are substantial discounts to those who leave a Japanese carrier for AU.
KDDI Monthly Service Cost
New Contract
|
Existing Customer
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 GB
|
32 GB
|
64 Gb
|
16 GB
|
32 GB
|
64 GB
| |
Monthly total
|
¥0
|
¥430
|
¥860
|
¥390
|
¥820
|
¥1,250
|
Unlimited data
|
¥5,460 (7GB)
| |||||
ISP charge
|
¥315
| |||||
Basic voice plan
|
¥0*
|
¥980
| ||||
Minimum monthly
payment |
¥5,775
|
¥6,205
|
¥6,635
|
¥7,145
|
¥7,965
|
¥8,005
|
Softbank Mobile
The absolute minimum cost offered from Softbank is the same as than that offered by AU, with the addition that existing customers are eligible for all discounts.
Cost of Softbank iPhone 5
New and Existing Customer
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
16 GB
(¥51,360) |
32 GB
(¥61,680) |
64 Gb
(¥72,000) |
|
Monthly cost
|
¥2,140
|
¥2,570
|
¥3,000
|
Montly subsidy
|
-¥2,140
| ||
Monthly total
|
¥0
|
¥430
|
¥860
|
2-year total
|
¥0
|
¥10,320
|
¥20,640
|
Softbank Monthly Service Cost
New Contract with MNP
|
Everyone else
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 GB
|
32 GB
|
64 Gb
|
16 GB
|
32 GB
|
64 GB
| |
Monthly total
|
¥0
|
¥430
|
¥860
|
¥0
|
¥430
|
¥860
|
Unlimited data
|
¥4,480 (7GB)
|
¥5,460 (7GB)
| ||||
ISP charge
|
¥315
| |||||
Basic voice plan
|
¥980
| |||||
Minimum monthly
payment |
¥5,775
|
¥6,205
|
¥6,635
|
¥6,755
|
¥7,185
|
¥7,615
|
Excellent write-up. Thank you! I just can't get over the fact that both Softbank and KDDI still don't offer unlocks for their upstanding customers. I've had the iPhone through Softbank since the first day it was offered in 2008 (3G, and now iPhone 4) and I would very much like to get an iPhone 5 through them (or KDDI) but I'm traveling to the US so often now and I just want to just use my same phone on either T-Mobile (1900 MHz 3G HSDPA+ support coming by the end of the year in most areas, so at least 3G on prepaid through them would be no problem) or AT&T (3G only on a KDDI/Softbank iPhone 5, but that's fine). The only solution that appears feasible at this point will be to buy a factory unlocked model and then shave down a DoCoMo/b-mobile SIM and start up a Xi contract with them... that means no no unlimited calling with my softbank or KDDI friends..
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat as you. I picked up an iPhone 3G from SoftBank in August of 2008, and now I'm running an iPhone 4. I was able to get my 3G unlocked for use in the States through a third party hack, but I'm having to go through an official if ethically questionable process for unlocking my SoftBank iPhone 4. I also have an unlocked US iPhone 4. I was planning to sell them both and get an iPhone 5, especially since I just recently began a new year two year contract anyhow, but I am greatly concerned about the possibility of unlocking it in the future. If the unlock on the iPhone 4 works, then I'll know it will also work on iPhone 5 (as is claimed)... *shrug*
ReplyDeleteYeah, you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. People for years have been successfully using unlocked third party phones on SBM. It's technically not allowed and could end up costing you, but unless things have changed recently, it's not impossible either.
ReplyDeleteI've been using unlocked phones that can tether for long enough now that I can't go back. So for me, it's pretty much the nexus brand.
I won't play the cat and mouse game with apple to keep my root privilege and an unlocked baseband.
A few questions if anyone is kind and knowledgable enough to answer them.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably being dumb here, but using the 32GB on Softbank as an example:
As an existing (iPhone 4) customer, I would be ¥980 per month (X24 - ¥23,520) worse off than a new customer??
Isn't customer retention something that they're aiming to achieve?!?
The monthly charge for a NEW AU customer would be: ¥6,205
The monthly charge for an existing SB customer would be: ¥7.185
However, as a non-Japanese person who stays here on a series of three-year visas, I may be asked to buy the handset in total upfront. Would that mean that;
The 32GB existing SB customer monthly "discount" would be ¥2,570 (monthly subsidy + monthly total)?
Therefore the minimum monthly charge would be ¥4,615 {x24= ¥110,760 +¥61,680 handset charge = ¥172,440}
The 32GB New KDDI customer monthly "discount" would be ¥3,000 (monthly subsidy + monthly total)? Therefore the minimum monthly charge would be ¥3,205 {x24= ¥76,920 +¥72,000 handset charge = ¥148,920}
Is that right??!?
Thanks a lot,
Paul
Sorry, the column header was misleading. it should have been something like "new customers with MNP" and "new customers without MNP and existing customers"
ReplyDeleteBut that's just too long.
Existing customer and new customers will get the same deal from SBM. Those who get the 980 discount are those who leave another carrier for SBM.
People on 3-year visas are allowed to get on the payment plans but it is totally unclear what the requirements are. If you had to pay up front, you'd give softbank ¥61,680 for the 32GB phone, then every month you'd be charged ¥5,460+¥315+¥980 for a total of ¥6,755 from which the discount would be subtracted.
¥6,755-¥2,140=¥4,615/month.
Thank you for the expansys plug. I am going to consider that for next year.
ReplyDeleteAs I reserved my iPhone last Friday(9/14), the CSR from SBM told me that:
A) There is a 1GB data limit for subscribers. If you go past that, then you get your speed significantly reduced 2 months after the month you exceeded 1GB.
So my issue was since I will be upgrading my internet from unlimited 3g to unlimited LTE, if whether they will still reduce my internet even if I was paying 1000 Yen more for my internet, and they said "Yes".
So to paint a better picture:
September Data Usage > 1GB:
- paying ¥4,480
October and November (reduced internet speed):
- Paying ¥5,460
December: Finally be able to use LTE at without speed limits.
- Paying ¥5,460
I wonder how much they would limit my internet speed once I switch to LTE.
* Thank God they increased the limit to 7GB for LTE.
I'm not following you. What is this about a throttle two months later for exceeding 1 GB????
ReplyDeleteAccording to what I understood from the representative at SBM who took my reservation last 9/14:
ReplyDelete- Users were allowed to enjoy unthrottled internet speeds up until the 1GB limit.
- When you exceed the 1GB limit, they will then throttle your internet speed 2 months after that billing date. (not the next billing month). The term she used was "きせい(規制)". I think that's the correct kanji.
* This is for the current 3g unlimited data plans.
** For LTE they changed it to have a 7GB cap.
*** I'll go in this Friday and confirm whether it's a month or 2 months after, but the point is they will throttle your speed down after 1GB. She even showed me a nifty document that states it was included in the contract I signed when I signed up for unlimited data plans.
Oh, the 1 GB is for 3G. When you switch to LTE, you'll have a new contract and immediately be subject to the 7 GB cap and the full LTE speeds.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarification.
ReplyDeleteIt makes absolutely no sense to stay with Softbank then, unless it's somehow possible to play the "I'm moving to another carrier unless you match this better deal" (has worked in the UK for me in the past!).
Now all I need is to be lucky enough to actually pick one up one of the non-reservation ones in the Apple Store and transfer to AU easily enough there... which may prove difficult.
Oh sweet! Thanks for the confirmation. I was bumming hard last week about this item.
ReplyDeleteDon't take my word for it, though. You're the one on the contract, so you should always confirm yourself.
ReplyDeletehi.. im a little bit confused.. what is the 1GB limit? where is it mentioned? do the existing SBM customers have to worry? (I am using a packet flat rate plan on an international Nexus one phone)
ReplyDeletealso, is there any way to switch to an LTE plan in softbank? im planning to buy a Galaxy S3 LTE or Galaxy note 2 LTE.
thanks for the reply..
I'd never heard of it and didn't find anything on their site but this talks about it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.teradas.net/archives/1488/
I don't know if SBM will allow non iPhone 5 people to add the plan.
I doubt you'll ever get the official if ethically questionable unlock. It's something like officialiphoneunlock.co.uk right? I think that requires that there is 1. a system that lets a regular employee submit an IMEI to apple for unlock and 2. an employee who is willing to do it for money on the side. I don't think either exist in Japan...
ReplyDeleteSo, now that it is confirmed that Verizon iPhone 5 models have the GSM portion unlocked, what do you think the chances are of the AU model having the same?? Perhaps only in my dreams. I'm checking twitter regularly to see if anyone in the nihongo world has checked but I haven't been able to find anything yet (maybe due to my poor language skills)...
ReplyDeleteSo has anyone confirmed that the iphone 5 sold by Au and Softbank is definitely locked? I've read that the Verizon iphone 5 is unlocked even though they're not advertising that fact. Anyone know how to say "is the iphone 5 locked?" in Japanese?
ReplyDeleteiphone5はシムフリーですか？(That's the slang used - Sim free doesn't mean that it lacks a SIM card but means it lacks a SIM lock. SIM [lock] free.)
ReplyDeleteOne colleague of mine got the SOftbank model (so he has the nano sim) and one got the AU model. I was hoping to test today but the AU owner is afraid "something would happen". So, I still haven't tested... My friend @nobi on twitter with 200k+ followers asked around and no 100% clear "I tested it" response yet. My hopes are high but expectations are low.
ReplyDeleteHello thanks for the great write up.
ReplyDeleteI have a quick question that you or someone on here could hopefully answer. I would like to purchase a galaxy s3 and use it with SoftBank. I'm aware that I'll need to unlock it. What I want to know is whether or not I will be able to use Softbanks LTE service. I know I may have some trouble obtaining a sim card from them but I have a friend that works at softbank so I'll talk to them about it.
Thanks SBSdroid. I asked at softbank and they said it is locked. I wonder if that's true or if that's just what they're told to say. Anyone know if the baseband can be unlocked?
ReplyDeleteHello everyone,
ReplyDeleteI am from the UK and am coming to Japan in March on a WHV with a view of hopefully staying for longer if I can. I am looking at getting an iPhone 5. Originally I was looking at getting one in the UK and taking it with me to Japan.
Can anyone tell me what the best option for me is? Should I buy an unlocked iPhone5 in the UK and take it over to Japan? Or should I wait to get to Japan and get a contract and get the iPhone5 that way?
My original plan was to buy the iPhone5 in the UK and then load a SIM on the iPhone with a prepaid plan with data. So for example, a PAYG tariff with added data costs, like what i did in Australia. So not having a contract, just pay as you go. Are those type of prepaid plans available in Japan? and on an iPhone? Or will I be better off getting a contract?
Even if i wanted to get a contract in Japan, will I be able to originally on a WHV as that is only a year, and most of the contracts are for 2 years correct?
Any help greatly appreciated, thanks!
Craig
Yes we have the iPhone (4, 4S,& 5) in stock for sale at considerable prices.
ReplyDeletei Phone 4G 16GB Cost..........US$390
i Phone 4G 32GB Cost..........US$410
i Phone 4s 16GB Cost..........US$470
i Phone 4s 32GB Cost..........US$490
i Phone 4s 64GB Cost..........US$550
i Phone 5 64GB Cost..........US$770
i Phone 5 32GB Cost..........US$720
i Phone 5 16GB Cost..........US$650
We are located here in Malaysia, USA, UK, and India where we ship to every part of the world and within 48-72hrs you receive your product right at your Door-Step without any delay.
Are you interested in buying the iPhone from us, then provide us with your (Full Names, Shipping Address & Mobile number so we can reach out to you.)
Note: All prices listed above are Negotiable.
Contact us today Via; lms414@gmail.com
Hi, can I use Au nano card (LTE) with my Docomo Galaxy note II ?
ReplyDelete