tech

SoftBank users in Japan able to roam all the way to U.S. at same rates

7 Comments

Japanese telecom giant SoftBank on Friday launched a new promotional campaign for its users, called America Hodai (America Unlimited) where users traveling to the United States can enjoy the same rates on voice calls and internet usage as they do in Japan for no additional charge.

The campaign coincides with the launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, both of which will also be compatible with the America Hodai offer. Regularly, this international service would cost 980 yen a month and require an application, but from the 19th it will be available to all for free and without signing up.

SoftBank will be working in cooperation with Sprint to provide the coverage in the continental US, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. There is no determined end date to this promotion but it would be a good chance for business people or those just happening to take a vacation in the near future to take advantage of it while it lasts.

However, if you happen to be a subscriber of SoftBank’s flat rate plans for data amounts over 5GB you can continue to get America Hodai for free.

Online comments over this announcement were varied.

“Docomo and AU can’t top this.” “Even Hawaii?” “That’s good news.” “Is this because SoftBank bought Sprint?” “I don’t go to America so I don’t need this.” “I don’t even have a passport.” “I could buy a prepaid AT&T phone in America cheaper.” “That name sucks.”

That last comment might be referring to the term “hodai” which can mean “unlimited use” but often comes with an asterisk pointing us to the actual cap on said unlimited use. That, or the fact that the term is often used in restaurants like “all-you-can” (nomihodai = all-you-can-drink). This makes the name a little weird like “All-You-Can America.”

So, if you’re planning to get an iPhone 6 on release day and deciding on a provider, SoftBank is looking like it has a major advantage over its competitors with All-You-Can America. I wonder if Docomo and AU can whip together an equally compelling offer with their iPhones in the next two days. A Chinese buffet perhaps?

Sources: SoftBank, Gizmodo

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- SoftBank’s mascot dog behaving badly at bizarre press conference -- Japanese Netizens Mistake Mobile Giant SoftBank’s Proud Announcement for April Fools’ Joke -- iPhone gets stolen in Spain, Japanese owner gets hit with massive bill for $9,800

© RocketNews24

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7 Comments
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Before I went to the states last month I got a quote but it was NOT 980¥ a month. Watch out for hidden fees.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I bought a phone that I use only in America and use it as a 'Go Phone'. Perhaps I won't have to do this? Is this plan only for the iPhone 6 series or the 5 series as well? Anybody know?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sprint is the WORST carrier in America. #4 and falling. Unfortunately my son is still locked into a contract but with the Japanese now involved it will get worse and it is time to bail out and go for something better. Things will only get worse. What will happen when you come here with your Softbank phone and get no reception almost anywhere and the indifferent CS couldn't give a $hit???

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Since T-Mobile revealed that there is no appreciable cost difference for connecting a call from LA to Tokyo or LA to Chicago, I'm not sure why, other than they are all pro-industry stooges, the FCC here hasn't insisted that U.S. careers drop out of network roaming fees. After all, the bandwidth they use is still controlled by the government.

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Jeff HuffmanSep. 20, 2014 - 04:25AM JST I'm not sure why, other than they are all pro-industry stooges, the FCC here hasn't insisted that U.S. careers drop out of network roaming fees.

Main reason: easy additional tax revenue for the goverment and increase profit for the industry. You noticed that there is a roaming fees from U.S. to neighboring border towns in Canada few miles away?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I bought a phone that I use only in America and use it as a 'Go Phone'. Perhaps I won't have to do this? Is this plan only for the iPhone 6 series or the 5 series as well? Anybody know?

No, it's only good for iPhone6.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

sfjp, great point. Why large fees to roam a few miles from Blaine to Surrey but free calls many thousands of miles away??

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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