Can someone please explain to me how the iPhone 4 plan works in Japan? I was looking at the Japanese version of Softbank's page, but found it confusing... so I took a look at the English version and was equally confused. There are a couple different plans, but it seems like there's a monthly discount for some reason for each one. Why is there a discount exactly? It seems like Softbank is kind of operating in a roundabout way...
Japan - 2 Answers
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1 :
I have an iPhone 4 with Softbank. Their basic plan is called the "White Plan" which includes free texting, free 3G/wifi/internet and discounted rates for calling other Softbank users (including free daytime calls to other Softbank numbers!). What they do is they "sell" you the phone (for like $400 or something like that) and they break down its cost over a 2yr contract, by the end of which you keep the phone. They charge you a fee for the White Plan + some other VERY small data fee and then they give you a monthly discount for the fee of the White Plan. So all you're paying is a monthly cut of your iPhone cost (1/24th of the total [24months in 2yrs]) and the very small data fee. I pay about 5,700Â¥ a month (roughly $57) + calls, for my iPhone with the White Plan. In theory if you never make a single call you can pay 5,700Â¥ a month and nothing more. THE CATCH: The only thing that really changes from the american plans is the fee per minutes. Japan charges you by the 30 seconds instead of by the minute. Their minutes are VERY expensive so people in Japan usually don't talk on their phones too much, thats why you see everyone texting all the time! If you want to talk more they offer better calling rates under their Double White plan which is similar but a little more expensive They have shops with english speakers in Tokyo. Get your alien registration card ready beforehand. Let me know if you have any further questions!
2 :
Yes but befoe you go over there you have to go to a local Atnt store and get your phone unlocked.. its going to allow you to use your phone in Japan.. it costs money though:/
