Re: [tlug] (off-topic) Unlimited data plan (mobile internet access) in Japan

[Drew Poulin <poulin@example.com>]

On Sep 3, 2014, at 1:56 AM, Darren Cook <darren@example.com> wrote:

>> I wish I understood how this works, business-wise.
>> 
>> For example, if I had simply asked the owners of the pension where I
>> was staying for the password to their WiFi, rather than paying
>> Wi2-300 for access to it, ...
> 
> It is a wi2-300 router/connection, not the pension's. So you might scan
> and see "MaiRyokan", "wi2", "wi2premium_club", "docomo", "au_kddi". If
> the pension gave you a username/password you use the first one. if you
> use wi2-300 you use the third one, and give your wi2 username/password.
> If on your docomo phone, you use the 4th one, etc.

I see.  So Wi2 either provides the router and connection at these locations or uses those of other WiFi services, like BB Mobile Point or UQ WiFi (http://300.wi2.co.jp/area/2/). 

Thanks for explaining.

> 
> The service Fernando described, boingo, looks to be a business model
> around using existing wifi. Their business model would be convenience: I
> pay them $10/month rather than $8/month to one service, $5/month to
> another service provider, etc. and then I'm hopefully covered wherever I go.

The boingo database indicates their coverage in the beach area I frequent (Torami area of Sotobo) is pretty sparse compared with Wi2 300’s.*  I guess that means boingo’s offerings don’t include Wi2’s.

Drew