Need Japanese Cell Phone + Service?

[Phantasmagoriat]

Get an Android phone

My G1 has a full qwerty keyboard, touchscreen, and a trackball, and as long as I have WiFi access, internet is free, but it can still access 3G if needed. So it can basically be used as a portable computer. The Droid seems to be the Android phone with the most promise these days.

It is possible to Root, much like Jailbreaking an iPhone, though I haven't Rooted mine because I haven't had the need.

There is an Android market for apps much like Apple. It's not as big, but Android is an open OS, and I usually support stuff like that since the possibilities are virtually endless. Because of this, there should theoretically be more customizability, unlike the proprietary nature of some *ahem* other companies. I'm in Canada, with Rogers pay-as-you-go, using an unlocked G1 from ebay, so I got no clue how this stuff works in Japan.

[kenisama]

Oh... Okay.
I thought that the newer iphones were not able ot be jailbroken because of some update Apple did.

It was... but they've already made a new jailbreak that covers the new update

[kenisama]

Oh yeah, almost forgot, I don't think Softbank offers unlimited bandwidth with iPhone anymore (unless you're grandfathered in by contract) over the 3G.

I do however know someone who was able to buy an unlocked Nexus One from ebay was able to use it with Softbank services. And since he had already paid for the phone, he wasn't locked into any contracts and paid month by month until he left the island and continues to use the phone under a US phone company now. Because of that, I'm under the understanding that as long as the phone has SIM card capabilities and unlocked (not tied down by any regions and such), you should be able to use it in Japan.

But I'm no expert, just basing that off of what I've seen, not through personal experience. So that's my disclaimer.

Otherwise, I find nothing wrong with my iPhone and Softbank, shitty reception at times, but I'm able to communicate and do everything else I want to do with my apps.

[Kionon]

You are correct. I am grandfathered in. That does suck.

And yes, if you have an unlocked phone, Softbank, NTT, or Docomo all have month by month SIM cards.

[kenisama]

You are correct. I am grandfathered in. That does suck.

lol yeah, I grabbed my iPhone on the last month before it changed over