Recommended Optical Lines and Advantages/Disadvantages

This post is also available in 日本語

You cannot avoid using internet for your everyday life now. In order to use it, you must have a contract with a provider and the internet access. However, there are so many options to choose from so how can we choose a good one?

There will be three options to choose from the fiber-optic connection, the mobile connection and the “kakuyasu (cheap) SIM”, except that you may already have the cable line for your internet access in your rental.

Here, we would love to show you pros and cons about the fiber-optic connection and some good services.

The fiber-opt connection

Pros

It is so much high speed and stable communication rather than other lines. Also, there is no limit for usage of data. Therefore, it is a good service for people who play online games and watch downstream movies.

Cons

It requires installation for the line in your home. It also takes about one month to be able to use the line. It is not a good option for people who need internet access right away or wants to use it outside. It is most likely more expensive than the other options due to the installation fee and the monthly charge.

You had better use pocket WiFi service or utilize some campaign services offering you the installation fee free option before you start to use your fiber-opt connection.

Good fiber-opt connection services we can recommend

NTT-FLET’S HIKARI, NURO HIKARI and au HIKARI offer the fiber-opt connection service.

In addition, there is a service called Hikari Collaboration, which is provided by a company that has received FLET’S Hikari and other services from NTT and offers a combination of in-house services and optical lines. Compared to NTT’s FLET’S Hikari contract and a separate provider, it is more likely that usage fees will be lower, and there will be one point of contact for contracts and inquiries. However, please note that some optical lines cannot be contracted depending on the environment such as the area or building.

If you have a contract with a major communication companies, you had better select one which has a discount service for smart phones.

NURO HIKARI

This service is provided by “Sony network communications.” There is no need to contact another provider since it is a package including the fiber-opt connection and provider service. There is a discount plan for smartphone users through Softbank. It is a nice feature that down streaming max speed is 2Gbps, however, the areas they cover is small and it relatively takes long time to complete installation.
https://www.nuro.jp/hikari/

Au Hikari

This service is provided by the large communication service “au”. Since they provide only the fiber-opt connection service, it is required for you to sign up a provider service. There is a discount plan for smartphone users through au. There is online guidance in English. Moreover, you can call the customer service available for other language options.
https://www.au.com/english/internet/auhikari/

Docomo Hikari (Hikaricollaboration)

This service is provided by the large communication service “Docomo.” This hikari collaboration includes a provider service. There is a discount plan for smartphone users through Docomo.
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/hikari/

Softbank Hikari (Hikari collaboration)

This service is provided by the large communication service “Softbank.” This hikari collaboration includes a provider service. There is a discount plan for smartphone users through Softbank.
https://www.softbank.jp/en/internet/

How to apply for the fiber-opt connection service.

You may apply for the service by several ways such as online, telephone and at the counter. If you are not so good in Japanese, you had better accompany with someone who can help you to translate.

Please make sure these things before you apply.

• The method of payment
  Please make sure about the methods of payment available, such as automatic payments for Japanese bank account or your credit card issued in Japan.
• The documents you need to bring
  Please bring your residence card in case of the requirement for the procedure.