CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER GELORMINE
Technology moves fast. Lightning fast. So quickly that the iPhone 4s that my husband and I got when we PCS’d back to the US last summer and which had just been released are now old news; a year later the iPhone 5 is almost here and my phone is now practically a dinosaur. Let’s not even talk about the Kindle I purchased in the summer of 2009 for more than what their fanciest tablet now costs, and all I can do on mine is read books. I digress…
My point is this: back in August of 2007 we asked our readers what cell phones and companies they used here on Okinawa, and up until the summer of 2010 we had responders chiming in to ask questions and providing answers. But I don’t think I’m too far off when I say the information in that post is now past its prime. Obsolete. In need of some updating.
That’s where you come in. Tell us, please, about your experiences with cell phones on Okinawa. What company do you use: SoftBank, AU, Docomo – and what do you like/dislike about it? Do you have a monthly plan or do you buy pay-per-use phone cards? Are you addicted to your does-everything-but-the-dishes smartphone or is that good old flip phone still working for you? (And if it’s the former, you know that we have a mobile version of our site available for your reading pleasure, right?)
Thanks for helping us out!
Note: The comments in the post linked to above have been closed in an effort to begin a new conversation here.
I use Softbank and have an iPhone 4. As far as convenience goes – I absolutely *love it. The price may be a little steep for some: a 1 person plan with unlimited data ranges from $80+ and the 2 person plan ranges from $180+ — all of course, dependent on call use. However, it has made life so much easier. With one touch, I can call using the 3G network to the States using Skype, check my email, get directions, google directions from OkinawaHai for a certain restaurant, and “drop a pin” to a friend to let them know where to go to meet up with me. I moved here in 2009 and initially bought the cheapest phone I could find thinking to myself, “I don’t need it”. And yes, when it comes to want vs. need, I really don’t. But if you’re like me, I’m an instant gratification kinda gal, I would recommend considering all options thoroughly.
Down sides–
First, phone calls are charged by the 30 second marks here, not minutes. I believe this goes for the other companies as well. It has been a while since I have actually had to review the plans. This charge applies to non-Softbank users and DSNs. If you’ve ever been put on hold, either the vet or the clinics, you know the wait can be long. I usually hang up after more than a couple minutes and try my call again later to see if someone will answer me immediately the next time around. Those 30 seconds add up really fast.
Second, if your original method of payment expires – they won’t notify you. I received 2 late payment bills via the mail (of which 80% was in kanji) and I had to go to the store and make both payments in full – yen only. If you don’t, they will allow you to continue making calls, but eventually I had a coworker max out at about $500 phone bill and they cut that person off.
Third, if you know your spouse will be gone frequently, make sure you have a POA prior to leaving or that you are the primary account holder to the phones. If an issue comes up with bills, they defer you and won’t allow you to do anything with the account. A friend wasn’t allowed to close an account bc their spouse was the primary and they did not have a POA to present to the Softbank rep. A POA had to be mailed from the States before they were allowed to do anything. Very inconvenient.
And lastly, cell phone service is pretty sketchy out here. I’ve had voicemails pop up but never receive the call but I have full service/bars. If you go to certain areas, you get no service at all. I’ve had a few dropped calls, but nothing I’ve really had too much of an issue with – I had the equivalent to dropped calls in the States.
Overall though, having a smartphone out here has definitely trumped having a regular phone. I don’t have to wait to get home to contact friends from home or send emails to loved ones. It has definitely made me feel like I’m still “in the loop” with their lives, and I can’t put a price on that.
I arrived on island a little over two weeks ago and we immediately signed up with Softbank because as you can see, most people have softbank. I have the Iphone 4 and the service is ok. The softbank that we signed up with had ran out of the black iphone so they delivered it to our hotel, fully charged ready to go within three hours. I thought that was pretty good customer service. I have not gotten the first bill yet…..
i have softbank and hate it. i love my iphone but the lack of service compared to friends that have the other companies is rediculous. I live on Foster so i really dont see the reason why there are so many dead zones in such a heavy populated area. even in Naha i dont have service most of the time.
I also have an iphone from Softbank. This is my first smartphone ever and it’s really become quite invaluable to me. I agree with all the things Jen said about it. I’d also like to add that the iphone has been a lifesaver when I’m driving around lost. I’m still figuring this out, but you can click on the map ap and sort of figure out exactly where you are so you can eventually get to your intended destination. This really helps on this Island of Unnamed Streets! I have not had much trouble with dead zones, but I think this might depend on where you live and mostly use the phone. I’m also suspicious that some of the phones might some interesting quirks. My friend was over at my house and we both took out our phones, and mine worked just fine but her’s did not. Hmmmm……
I’d say that the biggest negative is the Softbank customer service and the billing. The account is set up so that every month our credit card is billed automatically. Well, this is the second month that the card has been “declined” by Softbank (although it hasn’t been declined anywhere else.) This just means that you have to go in and pay the bill in person (in yen) but it’s kind of a pain. Also, I hate that I can’t read the bill since 95% of it is in Japanese. I think this is probably the same no matter what phone service you use, but I wish I could see exactly what my usage was. Like I said, the customer service at the store is not all that helpful either.
Finally, I’ve just heard that AU is now offering the iphone as well….so if that’s what you’d like then now there is another option. I’ve heard the AU service is better throughout the island, but that it’s also a lot more expensive.
I signed up for Softbank when I first got here because they were the only ones to offer the iphone (or any smart phone). We absolutely hated the service. Data speeds are horrible and reception around base was spotty at best. Our contract recently ran out and we switched to DOCOMO and could not be happier. Their service is always great and data speeds are awesome. They offer the latest smart phones (minust the iphone) and have stores everywhere on island. I highly, highly, recommend DOCOMO.
We have AU and just a basic flip phone. I was not going to pay the crazy prices for an iPhone. AU does have wonderful service and does have smart phones (still can be pricey). I am happy with the service we have.
Can you bring iPhones from states and use Japanese sim cards?
In my research, a U.S. iPhone cannot be used in Japan. First, it would need to be unlocked, which voids the warranty… Second, it would need to operate at a different frequency than U.S. iPhones.
Not sure about other phones, but I thought I would share.
Ok so me and my husband will be pcsing to Kadena in March. So we def cancel our plans here and then what do y’all recommend for us phone wise?
–> A. Hoke…
No, you can not bring your US iPhone and switch SIM cards. We got here last week and we both have had iPhones for years in the US and recently upgraded to the 4S phones… we tried at all 3 major companies to have them switch SIM cards with no luck. Don’t dispair… good news is that the up-front costs of iPhones (and other smart phones) is very different here than in the US. You basically walk out with the phone of your choice, your plan, and a reacurring bill (no money down if you choose). So… it was not that bad. Also, we at AT&T in the US for both our cell plans, internet at home, and U-verse cable so it was a big bill. We got the biggest package and unlimited data from AU (and the service is GREAT so far… even faster than US) and it is a bit less than we pay for just the phone portion of our bill in the US. So, for us it was a wash… only bad thing is now we have 4 iPhones.
As far as service, a lot of people have SoftBank but it is because they are on base. If you go off base go to an AU (or other) store. The big AU by American Village has a lot of workers that are great english speakers. The entire experience was pretty easy.
Did you try and Jail break your IPhone? Switching out sim cards won’t work anywhere unless it is jail broken. Have you tried that?
link to jailbreakunlock.org
You can use a US phone if it is unlocked.
Can somebody please let me know (for sure) if we could use an UNLOCKED iPhone 4S in Okinawa with AU?? I’m already thinking of buying the unlocked iphone before we pcs to Kadena in July 2012 but I want to make sure that AU will let me do a “sim-only” plan for an iPhone 4s…
Heidi-We are in the same boat. We’ve got a couple of iPhone 4s from verizon that we know we can unlock. However, we’re unsure as to whether we can then use a “sim-only” plan via any of the Okinawa providers. Would be great to know.
William, could you please let me know how to use a unlocked phone from the states. We arrived with two unlocked phones from apple and have gone to all three providers with no luck. Very frustrating…..
As for the iPhone questions, I have been doing a lot of research myself as my wife and I are moving to Okinawa in about 2weeks. Everything I have found says no you won’t be able to use an unlocked iPhone in Japan. For AT&T iPhones; while they can be unlocked and have a sim card replaced, the work on GSM technology and everything in Japan is CDMA. For Verizon; while they work on the CDMA platform, they do not have a removable SIM card.
I am not a technology guru, just doing some research and this is what I found. If I am wrong, please some let me know. I would love to use my AT&T iPhone 4 if possible.
Can someone please let me know how bad the SoftBank coverage really is? They seem to be the only one with the iPhone and I really don’t want to get anything else:(.
See everyone soon!
Corey-the iPhone 4s for verizon definitely has a micro-SIM card. I’ve pulled it out and looked. It’s located on the right hand side of the phone.
Matt,
You might be looking at a Sprint, or AT&T iPhone. Check out this link from Cnet.com
link to m.cnet.com
On a side note, flying to Okinawa tomorrow morning!!!!
The iPhone 4S for Verizon has a micro SIM tray. The 4S is global meaning it can work on both CDMA and GSM networks. I hope my unlocked VZ 4S works over there in about 7 weeks
Okay, to put this issue to rest based on experience now that I’m on island.
If you have an unlocked Verizon iPhone 4s (or any unlocked iPhone 4s), you can in fact buy a micro SIM card from FADtech in Okinawa and get contract 3g voice and data services. The FADtech services work off the Softbank network, which admittedly has some limitations. FADtech is located on Kadena and Foster (maybe more, I’m not sure). The plans are not cheap, but if you are committed (like I was) to not buying a new iPhone, then using your unlocked iPhone 4s in Okinawa is 100% doable.
Softbank, AU, and Docomo representatives are likely to tell you that it is not possible. However, keep in mind that most of the folks working in the shops, though very helpful, are somewhat limited in their technical knowledge. Bottom line, if you have a legitimately unlocked iPhone 4s, you can purchase a micro SIM and use it in Okinawa.
Thanks Matt, be there in 7 weeks!
Hi, I’ll be arriving there in June and was looking at the Galaxy S3 unlocked…do you know if it’s the same issue…just buy a SIM card? Thanks!
Katrina — did you ever get an answer to your question? I’m also arriving this summer and plan to bring an unlocked Galaxy S3, but want to make sure I can use a local SIM card, preferably with a full voice/data plan.
Corey-I have AU and LOVE it. I do not have a smartphone. My girlfriend has an iPhone with Softbank and we can literally be standing next to each other in many places all over the island and I will have full signal and she will have no signal. I had a smartphone in the States and wanted one over here, but decided against it. I have a basic cell phone with a camera that has a family plan with texting. Incoming calls are free and calls to a limited number of other AU customers are free. It works well for me and the best part is that it is 2,400 yen a month (at current yen rate=$29.00) Oh, I was in the AU store the other day and they do carry the iPhone now. Good luck with your move!
Can anyone here explain the same issues for Android phones? Can you bring your phone over and either drop a local SIM for pay-as-you-go voice/data, or add a plan with a local carrier? I’m coming over in a few weeks, and just want to make sure I don’t waste a purchase on a Galaxy III S – I’ve used my jailbroken iPhone in multiple countries with a local SIM and a prepaid plan, but I’m getting the feeling that Japan isn’t like most other countries
Hey all – I am trying to authorize my recently purchased Japanese iPhone 4s, but iTunes won’t let me because it’s not a US number. I can’t create a Japanese account because it won’t let me use an FPO. How did you all access the app store?? Thanks.
I’m thinking about buying a smartphone here in Okinawa… and I would like to use in the states when I PCS back. Which phones can I use in the states? I would like to purchase iPhone5 from AU or the “unlocked” Samsung Galaxy S3 (version Alpha) from Docomo (Docomo will charge extra for unlocking this phone, and will keep the warranty.) Does the Japanese version of iPhone 5 work in the states? Thanks!
Softbank, honestly, shouldn’t be allowed to sell phones on any of the bases here. I just returned a soft bank iphone due to extremely poor reception. It is basically unusable in most buildings unless you are close to the windows. If you live in the barracks, towers at Kinser, you’ll ONLY get reception by the windows. Don’t let the convenience fool you into getting softbank. You will absolutely regret the terrible reception for 8500 yen you pay monthly for a new iphone. Go for AU, it’s a night and day difference in reception quality.
I will be Okinawa for short stay at Navy Hospital. My Blackberry phone has correct frequency coverage and is unlocked with sim card which I am using here in Philippines.
Is it possible to just buy a sim card for use there and not have to sign up for a contractual use?? If so, what would be the price.
Also, can one use wi-fi and Skype there?
Thanks, Tom
I like how NO ONE answered the ladies question about which phone service and went on a tangent about unlocked phones. I will sum it up, my wife brought here iPhone 4S from the states (unlocked) popped in DoCoMo SIM – got service immedatiely. (Had to pay an extra 1,000 yen because it was an Iphone. I bought, and brought an UNLOCKED iphone 4S from Korea, SAME result. Paid extra, and got service. Right now for 300 minutes for each phone, with unlimited DATA I am paying about 22,000 yen a month WITH roll over minutes (L Plan). Only sucks part is that the roll over minutes are only good for three months, then gets erased and you start all over again. COVERAGE, I work close to the flightline on Kadena, and in a building with NO WINDOWS, four bars ALL DAY long. DoCoMo is the way to go. Screw Softbank. AU is good, and would have probably went with them if I didn’t already have my unlocked phones from other places. Hope this helps, Mallory Carter.
how much is DoCoMo sevice in US dollars.?? My son is coming to Okinawa in 4 weeks
also…can u text people in the states with your plan
We’ve lived on Okinawa for years and have tried AU, Docomo, and Softbank. They all stink. The few people I know who have Docomo raved about the reception, so we switched to Docomo when our contract with AU was up. We couldn’t get service in our house. I had to stand on the front porch to get a couple of bars. What’s even worse is how much money I was paying to stand on the front porch because Docomo was by far the priciest carrier we’ve tried. Once we switched from smart phones to regular cell phones, our bill when down by two-thirds and we get reception everywhere, even in the middle of the BX.
We got here and immediately got AU smartphones. I am seriously kicking myself for it right now. My husband has an iPhone 5, his pride and joy. I have a Galaxy 3. In the states he had an iPhone and I had a Galaxy 2, I knew what to expect and I like my android phones. A) His iPhone is set up so that it thinks he’s in the US, we just chose US as the country and BAM – it’s done. My galaxy came loaded with so much bloatware that I can’t get it set up properly because I can’t read the instructions. When I ask questions, no one can answer me. I’m not sure if it’s the language barrier or they just don’t understand the phones. Anyway, I have other messaging apps, skype, talkatone for google voice, and textfree so that we can communicate with the states for free. But I cannot bypass their SMS application because they’ve deleted (or hidden or something) the native messaging app on the phone and theirs does not have conversation bubbles so you have to go into each message separately. I’m currently using 3 messaging apps and it’s so frustrating. If I could take the phone back and switch, I would but I don’t even think that’s a possibility and I generally despise iPhones. Oh and I have no minutes! Hah. Their new plans come with free tethering, but no minute plans so we are literally paying every single time we have to call a base number.
Hi everyone! My husband is currently stationed in Okinawa and we will be moving there in June. I’m just worried about getting a cellphone (unlike him, I NEED it). I recently purchased an iPhone 5 at the Apple store here in the states with an AT&T 2-year contract (which will definitely be suspended; it was done before we got his orders). I already spoke with someone and she told me I could have my iPhone unlocked and purchase a SIM card when we get there so I can still use my iPhone. A representative from the Apple store said SoftBank and AU don’t sell standalone SIM cards, especially to gaijin. Has anyone been successful? I would hate to have to give up my new toy–er, phone! I was leaning toward AU (my friend who teaches there recommended it). Any suggestions or input is greatly appreciated!
Do combo carries SIM card, I’m not certain if they have prepaid setup. Likely a postpaid service. You must have you phone unlocked by AT&T first to use it from abroad.
Most android are unlocked when purchased in Asia. They all should work.
Hey everyone, a lot of good information here concerning cell phones. I”ll be getting there the first week of June and I was just wondering who has the good plans as of right now? I heard a lot of good things about AU. I have 2 iphones right now for myself and my wife and we’d like to get iphone 5s over there. Does AU have those? And what are the prices like? for the phones and plans….
Hello everyone. My wife and I will be moving to Okinawa in July. She will be stationed at Foster and I will be at Courtney/Hansen. I am not sure if we will be living around Foster of towards the northern camps. Is the reception better toward camp Foster since it is less remote?
Maybe some customers of other cell companies like Softbank and DoCoMo will comment but I will give you my opinion as an AU customer. My husband works on Foster and has GREAT reception there and in the surrounding area. He travels to the northern camps for work related issues and never has a problem up there with reception either. I’ve been in caves here and on mountains here and have always had a signal. The only place that I could not get a signal was on the 2nd floor of the BX. That has changed though and I now get one or two bars of signal in there. So, so pleased with AU! Hope that helps.
We just arrived in Oki last week, we talked to SoftBank and AU – neither of them will take a phone, even an unlocked iPhone, unless it was purchased from their respective companies. And they only have the iPhone 5 available, no 4′s – we are looking at bookoo.com to get a used iPhone. Neither of them will sell you simply a SIM card. We have not talked to Docomo. I have heard from a couple of people that AU has better coverage than SoftBank. We have been without a phone for several days and still haven’t made a decision. It all seems like a big racket – you pay money for every 30 seconds that you call a phone that is not the same service provider you use. Otherwise it’s free from 0100 to 2100 to call someone with the same cell provider. You can pay more money to call free to the same provider 24 hours a day.
Maria,
Here is how my plan works (I have a basic phone, not a smart phone): My husband and I both have phones with AU. We can text and call each other at any time for free. We have minutes to call other people and we share those minutes. We do not normally go over those minutes. If I used my cell to talk to family back home or something than we probably would. I use Skype at home to talk to family. We also are each allowed to unlimited text and call 2 other AU customers so my husband chose 2 people at his work that have AU phones that he has to talk to about work issues and I chose 2 girlfriends that I have here that have AU phones. Our bill for BOTH phones each month is 4,600 yen. I had a Blackberry in the States and loved it and thought I could never do without a smart phone, but honestly I am doing just fine and love the fact that by not doing the smart phone thing we can build up our savings even more than we already do. If you have any questions, just ask.
Thanks for the reply. We both want to keept the iPhone since we use many of the apps multiple times a day and my husband uses his as his music source when he works out. So even though it took my a looong time to move to an iPhone, now that we have one, we don’t want to give it up. No one has talked to us about buying minutes, it’s all charge by 30 seconds of a call to someone that is not with the same service provider.