I would like to present a price comparison chart between Rakuten Mobile and other mobile carriers.
Chart as of early 2025. Source: Phatxit.net
Have you ever wondered how much data you use each month? If you're a frequent internet user for daily activities like browsing the web, watching YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok, the number might surprise you. In my experience, you'll need at least 40-50GB of data or more each month for comfortable use.
As someone who works from home, plus my wife and child, even though we don't watch movies online very often, my family still consumes nearly 300GB of data each month. That's incredible, isn't it?
So, for those with such high data usage needs, which mobile carrier in Japan offers the best solution in terms of price and data capacity? My answer is Rakuten Mobile .
In the data-intensive user segment, Rakuten Mobile holds a significant advantage in terms of pricing and data policies. Other carriers typically utilize the network infrastructure of major players like Docomo, SoftBank, and au (MVNOs). This forces them to carefully consider their options when offering "unlimited" data plans. Each GB of data used is charged to the original carriers, while their prices to users remain fixed. This creates significant pressure on profitability and competitiveness.
Rakuten Mobile, with its own network, doesn't face this problem. They can freely offer attractive data policies without worrying about the costs associated with renting infrastructure. This is a huge competitive advantage.
Competitive prices
Rakuten Mobile frequently offers attractive promotions, helping you save significantly on subscription and data usage costs.
100% genuine "unlimited" data
Yes, it's absolutely 100% "unlimited". I know some other carriers have "unlimited" packages, but they're very unethical. They limit the speed again the next day if you use too much data in a day. That's unethical!
Operating a Private Network
This allows Rakuten Mobile to control service quality and offer more flexible policies compared to MVNO carriers.
Diverse services: In addition to mobile services, Rakuten offers many other services such as e-commerce, banking, and travel, creating a convenient ecosystem for users, especially with its Rakuten Point accumulation program.
Coverage area
Although Rakuten Mobile is expanding its network and improving its quality, coverage may not be perfect in some areas, especially in rural areas, and even in urban areas (in basements or high-rise buildings).
The reason is that Rakuten Mobile's network is still in the process of, and has not yet fully switched its base stations to the Platinum band (700 MHz) - the gold band due to its long-range transmission and good penetration through concrete.
Solution: You could combine using two SIM cards for dual-network online connectivity, or combine it with a different network provider if you frequently commute to work or school by subway through the tunnel and require 100% internet access at all times.
