[tlug] Japan Phone experts?

[kts <kts@example.com>]

Not exactly Linux, but still an expert expat community… :)

I currently have a rather expensive legacy Softbank contract/SIM costing about ¥6,000/mo I can cancel anytime. 

The locked/Softbank iPhone5 64gb is being “retired” and moving to an unlocked iPhone SE, and the SIM and number should move seamlessly to the new device. Have no problem changing to a cheaper carrier and plan IF I can take my number with me.

Q1: How does one move/take my JP phone number from Softbank to another SIM provider? Anyone here done this? Is this moving limited to Japanese carriers only? Other options for keeping my japan number alive (think “number parking” with online call forwarding switch/routing to current device/number…)?

Q2: Recommendations for the most effective/cheapest plans? 

My needs are fairly limited in Japan, with few local phone calls and likely under 1gb data/month as most comm/data needs are met via WiFi. Possibly even a pay-as-you-go plan rather than monthly.

I am aware of an AU plan that is ¥1400/mo for calls under 5min and less than 1gb data/mo for ¥1700, total monthly fee from about ¥3100. Use more data, then 1-2gb data automatically increased to ¥2700/mo. That could work out to ¥4100, plus whatever for calls over 5 minutes in length… clearly better than my current Softbank ¥6-11,000 fees. Brag/share your bill….

Other plans/providers for in-JP service that I should investigate?

Q3: International Roaming - 

I work outside Japan and need internet/phone, usually less than a week in places like Australia, Vietnam, China, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore/HK, etc. Yes, a buy-local SIM is one option for longer stays. My system was 2phones JP/unlocked travel using the http://www.onesimcard.com/ plus card, which allows adding various data plans for 180 countries as needed in a second unlocked phone. Somewhat limited data and a bit expensive but only pay for what/when I use it, not a monthly fee. 

I am aware of Google FI and it looks interesting (one review here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelbycarpenter/2016/09/27/revew-30-days-google-project-fi/#5edc108f1625 ), BUT currently only for US accounts, only works on a few nice/expensive phones capable of the carrier switching function, and works in 120 countries (most I need, but missing Australia and Korea which occasionally are necessary). I would hate to go to an expensive Android then Google decides I am not a “US Account” and cancels the service on me. Are their other viable options you know of, or just simplify into one phone and change SIMs at the airport? 

Q4: Market value of black iPhone5 64gb locked/Softbank with fickle power switch? If virtually nil it will make an awesome IOS 10.3.3 WiFi camera/iPod device. Could it be hacked into running Linux and hosting my website? Joking there, but a cool project no doubt.

  

Regards,

Kevin Sullivan

JP +81-90-9829-9653

kts@example.com