KDDI Mobile Network and Coverage in Japan Explained

KDDI's mobile network in Japan is a robust one, covering a vast area of the country with a wide range of services.

KDDI's network is built on a combination of 4G LTE and 5G technologies, with a focus on providing fast and reliable data speeds to its users.

KDDI's 4G LTE network covers around 99% of Japan's population, making it one of the most extensive mobile networks in the country.

KDDI's 5G network, on the other hand, is still expanding, but it's already available in many major cities across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

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KDDI Mobile Plans offer a range of options for data usage.

The Nippon SIM 5G/4G Data SIM is available with different pricing tiers.

You can choose from a 4-day plan for ¥3,480 (~US$22) or a 7-day plan for ¥4,480 (~US$28), both of which offer unlimited 5G/4G data.

A 10-day plan is also available for ¥5,480 (~US$34), providing the same unlimited data benefits.

If you need more data, a 15-day plan is available for ¥7,480 (~US$47).

Here's a summary of the plans:

KDDI's mobile network is a force to be reckoned with in Japan. au by KDDI demonstrated strong overall coverage, earning 8.1 points on a 10-point scale, placing second among Japanese operators.

au's 4G coverage is impressive, with an average download speed of 44.53Mbps in Japan, according to an October 2024 Opensignal report. This means you can expect fast and reliable data speeds across the country.

KDDI's network availability was exceptional at 99.6%, meaning users can connect to either 4G or 5G services almost all the time. This demonstrates the carrier's reliable network infrastructure.

Here are some key facts about KDDI's mobile network:

KDDI's au network offers wide-ranging 4G coverage across Japan, making it a reliable choice for tourists and locals alike.

In major cities, towns, and rural areas, you can expect strong 4G signals, and even along highways, bullet trains, and subways. au provides excellent nationwide coverage, with occasional gaps in remote mountains.

According to an Opensignal report, au achieved an average 4G download speed of 44.53Mbps in Japan, which is impressive.

Here are some key statistics on au's coverage and speed performance:

As a traveler to Japan, you'll want to stay connected to family, friends, and colleagues back home. KDDI offers various connectivity options to suit your needs.

For excellent coverage, consider using KDDI's 4G/5G network nationwide with a prepaid SIM or eSIM.

If you're looking for ease of use, an eSIM is the way to go – it's instant activation via a QR code, with no physical card required.

Affordability is also a key factor, with prepaid SIMs costing ¥2,000–¥9,000 for short-term use and eSIMs similar to prepaid SIMs (e.g., ¥1,500–¥5,000 for short-term data plans).

For those who want to stay connected for an extended period, KDDI's prepaid SIMs offer unlimited data for the rental period, usually 500MB/day or higher.

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If you're unsure about which option is best for you, here's a comparison of KDDI's connectivity options:

You can choose from a variety of plans to suit your needs, including a 10GB data plan for 5,980 yen per month.

KDDI Mobile offers a range of devices, including the Sharp Aquos R2 Compact, which features a 5-inch screen.

Their data speeds can reach up to 100 Mbps, making it suitable for streaming and online gaming.

You can also use their data roaming service in over 50 countries worldwide.

Their prepaid plans start at 2,980 yen for 1GB of data.

KDDI Mobile offers a range of features that make it a popular choice for mobile users in Japan.

The company provides a variety of data plans to suit different needs, including a 6GB data plan that's perfect for casual users.

KDDI Mobile's data speeds are fast, with download speeds reaching up to 42.2 Mbps.

Their network coverage is also extensive, with 99.9% of the population covered by their 4G network.

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You can purchase an au by KDDI eSIM in Japan at various locations, including au shops and convenience stores like FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven. These stores usually offer top-up vouchers with different denominations that you can use to top up your eSIM card online or through the My au app.

If you prefer to top up your eSIM online, you can do so through the My au website or app, paying with a credit card or au PAY. It's a convenient option if you're already familiar with online banking or have a reliable internet connection.

For a more comprehensive overview of your eSIM purchase options, here's a summary:

KDDI's 5G service covers areas in 15 prefectures and plans to reach major cities nationwide after June.

The company will introduce 7 5G smartphones from top brands like Samsung, Sony, and Xiaomi.

Its 5G Max plan is priced at JPY3,460 ($31.41) a month, offering unlimited charges and advanced services.

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Basic data plans start at JPY1,980 a month for 1GB of data.

KDDI plans to deploy 10,000 5G base stations by March 2021 and 20,000 sites by March 2022.

The operator is investing in new services and experiences, like a video viewing experience with Showroom Co, a live VR platform.

KDDI has added data to its Starlink D2D service, expanding its capabilities.

The service uses SpaceX's Starlink constellation and is currently configured for 19 apps on specific Google and Samsung smartphones.

KDDI's au Starlink Direct service adds data connectivity to an existing D2D messaging option.

The service is available on Google's Pixel 10 series and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 models.

Service availability relies on the sky being visible, which can be a limitation in certain areas.

Potential latency in sending and receiving messages is also a consideration, as is the possibility of an unstable connection.

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Activating your KDDI Mobile SIM or eSIM is a breeze. You can set up your eSIM for travel in Japan with a few simple steps.

If you're buying an AU by KDDI eSIM in Japan, you can find them at various locations. With flexible plans ranging from 3 to 30 days, eSIMs are perfect for any trip.

To activate your new AU prepaid SIM card, follow these easy steps:

Setting up your eSIM is as easy as scanning a QR code, and 24/7 support is just a message away.

You'll be happy to know that with KDDI Japan, you get unlimited domestic calling and texting with even their prepaid SIM cards.

Their calling rates are reasonable, with a charge of ¥10/6 seconds during weekday daytime hours, which translates to $0.12/min.

Weekend and holiday daytime hours have the same rate, so you don't need to worry about a rate hike on the weekends.

Nighttime and late night/early morning hours have a slightly lower rate of ¥10/5.5 seconds, which works out to $0.10/min.

If you're sending texts within Japan, each message will cost you ¥5.14, or $0.06.

International calls are charged separately, with rates varying depending on the country you're calling. For example, calls to the USA will cost ¥20/12 seconds, or $0.20/min.

Here's a breakdown of their international call rates:

Remember to budget separately if you plan to make international calls.

au by KDDI is a Japanese mobile phone operator with over 60 million subscribers, making it the second-largest in the country.

au offers a variety of mobile phone plans, including data plans, voice plans, and combination plans.

KDDI Corporation, the company behind au, provides popular mobile, internet, and home phone services under the au brand.

au is known for its high-speed data network and wide range of handset choices.

It also offers a variety of other services, such as music streaming, video streaming, and mobile payments.

Here are some notable MVNOs that use KDDI's network: