Rakuten Mobile is a popular choice for people living in Japan, especially foreigners. It offers affordable plans, free domestic calls, and free data when traveling abroad. However, it also has some downsides, like weaker signal in certain areas.
✅ Pros : Advantages
1. Affordable Plans
- Prices start at ¥1,078 per month.
- The maximum monthly fee is ¥3,278, even with unlimited data usage.
- You can earn Rakuten Points, which can be used to pay your phone bill.
2. Free Domestic Calls
- Using the Rakuten Link app, you can make free calls within Japan.
- This is useful for daily calls to places like daycare centers or clinics.
3. Free International Roaming
- Get 2GB of free data each month when traveling abroad.
- Additional data costs ¥500 per 1GB, which is cheaper than many other providers.
4. Easy Payment Options
- You can pay your bill using Rakuten Points.
- Even if you leave Japan, you can still pay your bill online, avoiding issues with unpaid balances.
5. Improved Network Coverage
- Rakuten Mobile has been expanding its network, including the launch of the 700 MHz “Platinum Band” in June 2024, which offers better indoor and underground coverage.
❌ Cons : Disadvantages
1. Weaker Signal Indoors
- The signal can be weak inside buildings or underground areas.
- This is due to the frequency bands used, but improvements are ongoing.
2. App Issues
- The Rakuten Link app may require frequent updates.
- Some users experience glitches or crashes.
3. Customer Support
- Some users have reported difficulties with customer service.
- Support may not always be responsive or helpful.
👤 User Experiences
- Many users are satisfied with the affordable plans and free services.
- Some have experienced issues with signal strength and app performance.
- Overall, Rakuten Mobile is a good option for those looking for budget-friendly mobile services in Japan.
📝 Conclusion
Rakuten Mobile offers competitive pricing and useful features, especially for people who make frequent calls or travel abroad. While there are some drawbacks, such as signal strength in certain areas and app reliability, the company is actively working to improve its services. If you prioritize cost savings and can manage occasional connectivity issues, Rakuten Mobile could be a suitable choice for you.
If you’re new to Rakuten Mobile, you can sign up via this link and earn 13000 points if you transfer from another carrier (approx. a year worth of phone bills assuming 3GB monthly usage), or 6000 points if you sign up for a new line.