Summary
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Pros | Cons |
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Full Review
Speed
Reasonable speed on the 3G network which was a restriction using an older phone.
Reasonable speed on the 3G network which was a restriction using an older phone.
Reliability
The network was reliable and did not drop in any of the main areas of Tokyo.
The network was reliable and did not drop in any of the main areas of Tokyo.
Ease of Setup
The Softbank Store sets everything up for you and also tests that your phone works. So everything is ready on purchase.
The Softbank Store sets everything up for you and also tests that your phone works. So everything is ready on purchase.
Cost/Price
Softbank has always been overpriced due to previously being the only SIM Rental for iPhone users. Thankfully Japan now has a number of better options.
Softbank SIM Card Cost Breakdown
Administration Fee 315円
Rental Fee 110円
Capped Data Fee 970円
Estimated Cost for 1 Week: (7*110)+(7*970)+315 = 7875円 (Not including calls)
Softbank has always been overpriced due to previously being the only SIM Rental for iPhone users. Thankfully Japan now has a number of better options.
Softbank SIM Card Cost Breakdown
Administration Fee 315円
Rental Fee 110円
Capped Data Fee 970円
Estimated Cost for 1 Week: (7*110)+(7*970)+315 = 7875円 (Not including calls)
Access
Easily accessible at the airport upon arrival and they speak English.
Easily accessible at the airport upon arrival and they speak English.
Overall
I would not recommend the Softbank SIM Card unless you must have a Japanese mobile number. In the age of apps and data calls, there's really no need for phone numbers.
Softbank overcharges on data and actually cannot provide accurate breakdowns of data usage, therefore even if you only use a small amount of data (such as a single google map search as I did) you will be paying the capped data price (currently set at 970円/day).
Softbank overcharges on data and actually cannot provide accurate breakdowns of data usage, therefore even if you only use a small amount of data (such as a single google map search as I did) you will be paying the capped data price (currently set at 970円/day).