Sapporo

๐Ÿ“ก

Internet and Telecommunications

Services related to broadband, public Wi-Fi, and mobile network options for newcomers and visitors in Sapporo.

Sections

1. Overview of Internet and Telecommunications in Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is a modern city with excellent telecommunications infrastructure. Whether youโ€™re a visitor or a long-term resident, youโ€™ll find a variety of options for internet and mobile phone services. Japan is known for its high-speed internet and reliable mobile networks, and Sapporo is no exception.

2. Internet Services in Sapporo

Types of Internet Services

  1. Fiber-Optic (ๅ…‰ๅ›ž็ทš, Hikari Kaisen):

    • The most common and fastest option, offering speeds up to 1 Gbps or more.
    • Ideal for heavy internet users, streaming, or working from home.
    • Requires installation, which can take 1โ€“2 weeks.

  2. Mobile Wi-Fi (ใƒใ‚ฑใƒƒใƒˆWi-Fi, Pocket Wi-Fi):

    • Portable and convenient, especially for short-term stays.
    • Speeds are generally slower than fiber-optic but sufficient for basic use.
    • No installation required.

  3. ADSL:

    • An older technology, less common now but still available in some areas.
    • Slower than fiber-optic but may be cheaper.

  4. Cable Internet:

    • Offered by some cable TV providers.
    • Speeds and availability vary.

  5. Free Public Wi-Fi:

    • Available in many public areas, such as train stations, cafes, and shopping centers.
    • Look for networks like โ€œSapporo_City_Wi-Fiโ€ or โ€œJapan_Free_Wi-Fi.โ€
    • Speeds and reliability can vary, and connections may require registration.

Average Costs

  • Fiber-Optic Internet: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per month (installation fees may apply, typically ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ20,000, though promotions often waive these fees).
  • Mobile Wi-Fi: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month (rental plans for short-term use are available).
  • ADSL or Cable Internet: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month.

Recommended Providers

  1. NTT East (FLETโ€™S Hikari):

    • The largest fiber-optic provider in Sapporo.
    • Reliable and widely available.
    • Website: NTT East (Japanese only).

  2. SoftBank Hikari:

    • Offers fiber-optic internet bundled with mobile phone plans.
    • Website: SoftBank Hikari.

  3. au Hikari:

    • Another major fiber-optic provider with competitive pricing.
    • Website: au Hikari.

  4. GMO Internet (GMO TokuToku BB):

    • Known for affordable fiber-optic plans and English support.
    • Website: GMO Internet (Japanese only).

  5. Pocket Wi-Fi Providers:

    • Japan Wireless and Sakura Mobile are popular for short-term visitors and offer English support.

How to Set Up Internet

  1. Choose a Provider:

    • Compare plans based on speed, cost, and contract length.
    • Some providers require a 2-year contract, with penalties for early termination.

  2. Apply Online or In-Store:

    • Applications are typically in Japanese, but some providers (e.g., Sakura Mobile) offer English support.
    • Youโ€™ll need your residence card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Kฤdo) and a Japanese bank account or credit card.

  3. Schedule Installation:

    • For fiber-optic internet, a technician will visit your home to install the service.
    • Mobile Wi-Fi can be delivered to your address or picked up at the airport.

  4. Set Up Your Router:

    • Most providers include a router, but you may need to configure it yourself or request assistance.

3. Mobile Phone Services in Sapporo

Types of Mobile Plans

  1. Postpaid Plans:

    • Require a residence card and a Japanese bank account or credit card.
    • Typically include data, calls, and SMS.
    • Contracts are usually for 2 years, with penalties for early termination.

  2. Prepaid SIM Cards:

    • Ideal for short-term visitors or those without a Japanese bank account.
    • Available at electronics stores, airports, and online.

  3. eSIMs:

    • Increasingly popular for travelers and expats.
    • Easy to set up without needing a physical SIM card.

Average Costs

  • Postpaid Plans: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 per month, depending on data usage.
  • Prepaid SIMs: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 for a 30-day plan with 5โ€“10 GB of data.
  • eSIMs: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ4,000 for short-term plans.

Recommended Providers

  1. Major Carriers:

    • NTT Docomo: Reliable coverage and high-speed data.
    • au by KDDI: Competitive pricing and good coverage.
    • SoftBank: Offers bundled discounts with home internet.

  2. MVNOs (Budget Carriers):

    • Rakuten Mobile: Affordable plans with unlimited data in Rakuten network areas.
    • IIJmio: Flexible plans and good value.
    • Y!Mobile: A budget brand of SoftBank with good coverage.

  3. Prepaid SIM Providers:

    • Sakura Mobile and Mobal offer English support and easy setup.

How to Set Up a Mobile Connection

  1. Choose a Provider:

    • Consider your data needs, budget, and whether you need English support.

  2. Visit a Store or Apply Online:

    • Bring your residence card, passport, and payment method.
    • Some stores have English-speaking staff, but itโ€™s helpful to bring a Japanese-speaking friend if needed.

  3. Activate Your SIM Card:

    • Follow the instructions provided by the carrier.
    • For prepaid SIMs, activation is usually straightforward and can be done online.

4. Language Considerations

  • Most major providers have limited English support, but some (e.g., Sakura Mobile, Mobal) cater specifically to foreigners.
  • If youโ€™re not confident in Japanese, consider using a provider with English-speaking customer service or asking a Japanese-speaking friend for assistance.

5. Local Tips and Procedures

  1. Bring Identification:

    • A residence card is essential for setting up postpaid plans or home internet.
    • Tourists can use their passport for prepaid SIMs or mobile Wi-Fi rentals.

  2. Plan for Installation Time:

    • Fiber-optic internet installation can take 1โ€“2 weeks, so plan ahead.

  3. Check for Promotions:

    • Many providers offer discounts for new customers or bundled services (e.g., internet + mobile).

  4. Understand Contract Terms:

    • Early termination fees can be high, so read the fine print carefully.

  5. Use Convenience Stores for Payments:

    • If you donโ€™t have a Japanese bank account, some providers allow you to pay bills at convenience stores.

  6. Public Wi-Fi:

    • While convenient, public Wi-Fi networks are not always secure. Use a VPN for sensitive activities.

6. Conclusion

Setting up internet and mobile phone services in Sapporo is straightforward if you plan ahead and choose the right provider for your needs. Whether youโ€™re staying short-term or long-term, there are options to suit every budget and requirement. Be mindful of language barriers and contract terms, and donโ€™t hesitate to seek help from providers with English support.

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!