DoCoMo launches prepaid SIM for foreign visitors
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Japan’s NTT DoCoMo will this week launch a new prepaid SIM service for foreign visitors to Japan providing access to its network for 15 days.
The Japan Welcome SIM offering will launch on July 1. It will allow travelers to apply for the service online prior to leaving their home country and pick up their SIMs in locations such as international airports upon their arrival in Japan.
Visitors will be able to subscribe to one of three 15-day plans, including a 1,000 yen ($8.90) plan providing unlimited 128kbps internet access and a 1,700 yen plan providing download speeds of up to 682Mbps for the first 500MB used. Additional high-speed access can be purchased for 200 yen per 100MB of 700 yen per 500MB.
From October, DoCoMo will also launch a plan providing free internet access in exchange for viewing a certain number of video ads and filling out a survey prior to their arrival.
DoCoMo partners will also be able to bundle access to the Japan Welcome SIM service with their own services. Initially Tokyu Hotels and Booking.com will be providing the service. This will include the ability for reselling businesses to offer unmetered access to their own web services.
Questions & Answers
Q.What are the immediate pricing options for the Japan Welcome SIM service?
What are the immediate pricing options for the Japan Welcome SIM service?
Visitors can choose a 15-day plan for 1,000 yen, offering unlimited 128kbps internet. Alternatively, a 1,700 yen plan provides up to 682Mbps for the first 500MB, with additional high-speed data available for purchase.
Q.Where can visitors collect their SIM cards after applying online?
Where can visitors collect their SIM cards after applying online?
After applying online before their trip, visitors can pick up their Japan Welcome SIM upon arrival in Japan. Collection points include various locations such as international airports.
Q.Will there be an option for free internet access with the Japan Welcome SIM?
Will there be an option for free internet access with the Japan Welcome SIM?
Yes, from October, DoCoMo will introduce a plan offering free internet access. This will require users to view a set number of video advertisements and complete a survey before their arrival in Japan.
Q.Which partners are initially involved in bundling access to the Japan Welcome SIM service?
Which partners are initially involved in bundling access to the Japan Welcome SIM service?
Initially, Tokyu Hotels and Booking.com will be providing access to the Japan Welcome SIM service. These partners can also offer unmetered access to their own web services as part of the bundle.