vB Easy Archive - (U)SIM only cellphone Contracts in Japan

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(U)SIM only cellphone Contracts in Japan
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Posted by: maxpascal

Hey there,

I bought a 903SH about a year ago and I'm planning on staying for quite a while in Japan next year.

Does anyone know if there's a way to make a contract for a USIM only, that I could put into my 903SH? I guess if at all it's Softbank, but I'm not really up to date with this topic.

Thanks.

Posted by: azn_boi_128

all u have to do is save contacts to sim

contacts -> settings -> save new contact to -> sim

Posted by: WRBWRXMAX

No, he's asking if you can get a service contract from Voda JP that provides only a SIM and not a phone, so he can use his 903 with his current service.

My answer would be to just get a new phone with the contract and swap the SIMs. Over there, the phones are quite inexpensive with a new plan, I'd just get something that's known to be unlockable and throw it on ebay.

Posted by: azn_boi_128

^lol MY BAD totaly mis understood the qustion... and i still dont get it

Posted by: KayJai

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRBWRXMAX

No, he's asking if you can get a service contract from Voda JP that provides only a SIM and not a phone, so he can use his 903 with his current service.

My answer would be to just get a new phone with the contract and swap the SIMs. Over there, the phones are quite inexpensive with a new plan, I'd just get something that's known to be unlockable and throw it on ebay.

Yeah, and right now Softbank is offering pretty much all their phones for free for a 2 year contract! Yes, 904SH and 905SH as well!!!

Posted by: kay_sakiyama

Does Softbank offer a monthly contract? I was on their site but it was a bit too confusing for me even in English...

Posted by: scotttttttttt

sakiyama, no.

Posted by: maxpascal

Thanks for your answers, I just hoped I might get a cheaper contract if I only need a USIM, well then I guess I'll buy one there, or rather take a prepaid one... or maybe things have changed until next year

Posted by: Ohgami

Man I wish they had that ability to buy a Sim only plan. I wouldn't need my DoCoMo Precall Phone anymore. Since there's not really a "realistic viable market" I.E. they don't see it as a viable market option I don't see this happening probably not ever. Especially since Softbank is taking a more Aggressive stance on unlocked (or unlocking) phones it seems.

Posted by: yakuzasentinel

i believe the answer is YES, you CAN have a "SIM-only contract". I know this was at least true with Vodafone, so I don't see why the option wouldn't have carried over to softbank (there is actually a box on the contract form itself that lets you choose from a SIM+phone or SIM only contract).

whether you get a sim only or a phone as well, you'll still need appropriate ID (certificate of alien registration) to sign up for the contract.

i could be wrong, but couldn't one just get a sim-only monthly agreement and pay the full monthly price associated with the "pack" they choose (not signing up to receive any sort of discount), and not have to pay a cancellation fee?

Posted by: AL9999

Yes, Softbank are still offering USIM-only contracts. However you still need all the ID stuff you'd otherwise need to get a USIM and phone package, and they still won't sell prepaid USIMs for travellers to Japan.

Posted by: maxpascal

Well, for short trips I guess roaming would be enough anyway (planning to visit Japan in spring 07 for a feew weeks)... but I'll probably go to Japan for a while as an exchange student in the next 2 years and roaming is not an option then.

I hope a student visa suffices for a USIM contract.
I actually don't get why they don't offer prepaid USIMs, as a lot of phones ar 3G capable nowadays (or am i wrong?) and people would rather buy a USIM than a cellphone they can't ever use again at home.

Next question: Any idea if that will work with an unlocked cellphone?

Posted by: Yttrasil

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxpascal

Well, for short trips I guess roaming would be enough anyway (planning to visit Japan in spring 07 for a feew weeks)... but I'll probably go to Japan for a while as an exchange student in the next 2 years and roaming is not an option then.

I hope a student visa suffices for a USIM contract.
I actually don't get why they don't offer prepaid USIMs, as a lot of phones ar 3G capable nowadays (or am i wrong?) and people would rather buy a USIM than a cellphone they can't ever use again at home.

Next question: Any idea if that will work with an unlocked cellphone?

The student visa in itself is not sufficient but after you go to Japan to study you have to get yourself the gaijin card anyway, will probably take a few weeks. Other than that remember you have to be 20 or older to have your own contract with phone companies, but you can probably have your teacher get the phone for you and then just pay the bill each month. That's what i did since i wasn't 20 at the time.

Yeah it's stupid you just cannot buy a USIM also the prices for calls mails etc in Japan are ridiculous we are being told it's expensive in Sweden, especially when they don't have to subsidize the phone you're not buying. It's Japan that's why i guess hehe.

I don't know about the last one but you don't need 3G for prepaid that's for sure =)

Posted by: Kevbodian

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxpascal

Hey there,

I bought a 903SH about a year ago and I'm planning on staying for quite a while in Japan next year.

Does anyone know if there's a way to make a contract for a USIM only, that I could put into my 903SH? I guess if at all it's Softbank, but I'm not really up to date with this topic.

Thanks.

hehe, if you're going there on working holiday, then you will have your alien registration card about a month after you move in! hehe

Posted by: AL9999

Once Softbank phases out their 2G network, they might introduce prepaid on 3G. Then again, they might just can prepaid altogether. Can't really say at this point, but prepaid services are looked down on in Japan because they've been abused in the last few years by people committing fraud.