Sapporo

๐Ÿ“ž

Telecommunications

An overview of services for setting up mobile phones, internet access, and other communication tools in Sapporo.

Sections

1. Mobile Services in Sapporo

Major Mobile Providers

Japan has three major mobile network operators (MNOs) and several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that offer affordable plans. These providers have excellent coverage in Sapporo and across Hokkaido.

  1. Major MNOs:

    • NTT Docomo: Known for its extensive coverage and reliability, especially in rural areas like Hokkaido.
    • SoftBank: Offers competitive plans and good coverage, with a focus on urban areas.
    • au by KDDI: Another reliable provider with strong coverage and competitive pricing.

  2. MVNOs (Budget-Friendly Options):

    • Rakuten Mobile: Offers affordable plans and unlimited data in Rakutenโ€™s network areas. Coverage in Sapporo is good, but it may be weaker in rural Hokkaido.
    • IIJmio: A popular MVNO offering flexible data plans at lower prices.
    • Y!Mobile: A subsidiary of SoftBank, offering budget-friendly plans with good coverage.
    • UQ Mobile: A subsidiary of au, known for its affordable plans and reliable service.

Costs for Mobile Services

  • MNOs (Docomo, SoftBank, au):
    • Monthly plans: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 for unlimited data and calls.
    • Prepaid SIM cards: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 for 7โ€“30 days, depending on data limits.
  • MVNOs:
    • Monthly plans: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ3,000 for 3โ€“10 GB of data.
    • Prepaid SIM cards: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ4,000 for 7โ€“30 days.

How to Obtain a SIM Card

  1. For Visitors (Short-Term Stay):

    • Prepaid SIM cards are available at major airports (e.g., New Chitose Airport), electronics stores (e.g., Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera), and convenience stores.
    • Required documents: Passport.
    • Activation: Most prepaid SIMs are plug-and-play, but some require online activation.

  2. For Residents (Long-Term Stay):

    • Visit a mobile providerโ€™s store (e.g., Docomo Shop, SoftBank Shop) or an electronics retailer.
    • Required documents:
      • Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Kฤdo).
      • Passport.
      • Japanese bank account or credit card for monthly payments.
    • Procedure:
      • Choose a plan based on your data and call needs.
      • Sign a contract (usually 1โ€“2 years for MNOs; MVNOs often have no contract).
    • Note: Some providers offer English-speaking staff or support.

2. Internet Services in Sapporo

Types of Internet Services

  1. Fiber-Optic (Fibre) Internet (ๅ…‰ๅ›ž็ทš, Hikari Kaisan):

    • The most common and fastest option, with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
    • Providers: NTT FLETโ€™S Hikari, au Hikari, SoftBank Hikari, and local providers like Hokkaido Denryoku Communications.

  2. Mobile Wi-Fi (Pocket Wi-Fi):

    • Portable and convenient for short-term stays or those without a fixed address.
    • Providers: SoftBank, WiMAX, and rental services like Ninja WiFi.

  3. Cable Internet:

    • Offered by cable TV providers, but less common than fiber-optic.

  4. ADSL:

    • An older technology, slower than fiber-optic, and being phased out.

Costs for Internet Services

  • Fiber-Optic Internet:
    • Installation fee: ยฅ15,000โ€“ยฅ30,000 (often waived during promotions).
    • Monthly fee: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000.
  • Mobile Wi-Fi:
    • Rental fee: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per month.
    • Purchase: ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ20,000 for the device, plus a monthly data plan.
  • Cable Internet:
    • Monthly fee: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000.

How to Set Up Internet in a Residence

  1. Choose a Provider:

    • Research providers based on your location and needs. Some providers may have English-speaking support.
    • Popular options in Sapporo include NTT FLETโ€™S Hikari and SoftBank Hikari.

  2. Sign Up:

    • Visit a providerโ€™s store, call their customer service, or apply online.
    • Required documents:
      • Residence Card.
      • Passport.
      • Japanese bank account or credit card.
      • Proof of residence (e.g., rental agreement).

  3. Installation:

    • Schedule an installation appointment (usually 1โ€“2 weeks after signing up).
    • A technician will visit your residence to set up the connection.
    • Note: If your building already has fiber-optic infrastructure, installation may be quicker and cheaper.

  4. Router Setup:

    • Some providers include a router in the plan; otherwise, you may need to purchase one (ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000).

3. Local Services and Shops

  • Electronics Stores:

    • Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera: Large electronics retailers with a wide selection of SIM cards, routers, and mobile devices. Staff often speak basic English.
    • Joshin Denki: Another electronics chain with competitive prices.

  • Convenience Stores:

    • Prepaid SIM cards and mobile Wi-Fi rentals are available at major chains like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.

  • Mobile Provider Shops:

    • Docomo, SoftBank, and au have dedicated stores in Sapporo, often located in shopping malls or near major train stations like Sapporo Station.

4. Cultural and Regional Considerations

  1. Language Barrier:

    • While some providers and stores offer English-speaking staff, most contracts and instructions are in Japanese. Consider bringing a Japanese-speaking friend or using a translation app.

  2. Contract Commitments:

    • MNOs often require 1โ€“2 year contracts, with penalties for early termination. MVNOs are more flexible but may have slower speeds during peak hours.

  3. Payment Methods:

    • Monthly payments are typically made via Japanese bank accounts or credit cards. Some providers accept cash for prepaid services.

  4. Customer Service:

    • Japanese customer service is highly professional and polite, but patience may be required due to the language barrier.

  5. Regional Coverage:

    • Sapporo has excellent coverage for all major providers, but if you plan to travel to rural areas in Hokkaido, NTT Docomo is recommended for its superior network.

  6. Public Wi-Fi:

    • Free Wi-Fi is available in many public areas, including Sapporo Station, Odori Park, and major shopping centers. Look for โ€œSapporo City Wi-Fiโ€ or similar networks.

5. Tips for Visitors and New Residents

  • Short-Term Visitors:

    • Opt for prepaid SIM cards or mobile Wi-Fi rentals for convenience.
    • Check if your phone is unlocked and compatible with Japanese networks (most use 4G LTE).

  • Long-Term Residents:

    • Compare MVNO plans for cost savings if you donโ€™t need unlimited data.
    • Consider bundling mobile and internet services with the same provider for discounts.

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • In case of emergencies, dial 110 for police or 119 for fire/ambulance. These numbers are free to call from any phone, including prepaid SIMs.

By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to set up mobile and internet services in Sapporo, ensuring a smooth and connected experience during your stay. Let me know if you need further assistance!