Can humans survive on tethering alone in Japan?
Introduction
Should I get an internet line at home, or is smartphone tethering enough? With the recent spread of remote work, video viewing, and increased use of social media, many people are faced with this choice. In this article, we will explain in detail whether it is possible to support your life in Japan with just tethering.
What is tethering? Specific usage and examples on iPhone
How tethering works
Tethering is a method of connecting other devices (such as PCs and tablets) to the Internet using your smartphone's mobile data. Even if you don't have a Wi-Fi router, your smartphone can act as a "pocket Wi-Fi," and even if you don't have a Wi-Fi environment at home or on the go, you can easily connect other devices to the Internet using the tethering function.
Tethering procedure for iPhone
For iPhone, tethering can be achieved using the "Internet Sharing" function. You can easily connect by following the steps below.
Turn on Internet Sharing
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap "Internet Sharing."
Turn on "Allow others to connect." Your iPhone will now act as an access point for Wi-Fi connections.
Choose a connection method
Wi-Fi connection : Open the Wi-Fi connection screen on your PC, tablet, etc., select your iPhone's name and enter the password to connect.
Bluetooth connection : Turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to connect to your iPhone, set up pairing, and start data communication.
USB connection : By connecting to a PC using a USB cable, you can obtain a stable communication environment. This method requires settings on the PC side, but the advantage is that it reduces battery consumption.
Specific examples of tethering
Work on your PC on the go : Even if the cafe or hotel doesn't have Wi-Fi, you can use your iPhone's tethering function to work wherever you are.
Backup Internet at home : Even if your Internet connection is unstable, you can use tethering to provide a backup Internet environment.
Connect multiple devices at once : You can use your iPhone's tethering function to connect multiple devices, such as your home PC, tablet, and smart TV, to the network at once.
The current state of internet connections in Japan
In Japan, it is common for households to have fixed internet lines at home, and according to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the penetration rate of fixed broadband services (such as fiber optic lines and ADSL) is over 80%. The use of fiber optic lines in particular is on the rise, and major providers such as FLET'S Hikari, au Hikari, and NURO Hikari are offering them all over Japan.
However, with the spread of fixed-line internet, the initial costs and contract restrictions have become an issue. Many providers impose installation costs of several thousand yen and contract period restrictions, which can be a burden for those renovating their residence or those staying for a short period of time. As a result, the demand for tethering and mobile Wi-Fi is increasing, and more people are choosing to live using only tethering.
In addition, with the spread of remote work, the communication environment at home is now considered important, and many users are considering whether to install a landline at home or use smartphone tethering.
Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of tethering and fixed internet lines
Tethering
speed
Speeds depend on the mobile carrier's network, and although speeds are fast during the day, speed limits may be imposed at night or during peak times.
Data volume
Depending on the plan, there may be a data limit, or you may be able to choose an unlimited plan, but you'll need to check with each carrier.
cost
Since it can be used within the scope of your mobile plan, there is no additional cost for a fixed line, which helps reduce costs.
Connection Stability
Depending on the radio wave conditions, the connection may be unstable depending on the building structure and surrounding environment.
Fixed internet connection
speed
It provides constant, high-speed, stable communication, and often supports speeds of over 1Gbps, making it comfortable even for heavy data communications.
Data volume
Basically, data usage is unlimited, so you can use it on multiple devices without any problems.
cost
There are initial costs and monthly fees, and typically a contract period of two years or more.
Connection Stability
Since it is not affected by radio waves or weather and always provides a stable connection, there is little risk of communication being interrupted.
Tethering is highly flexible as it can be used on the go, but if you need high-volume data communication for long periods of time, a fixed line is often more stable.
Data volume when using the Internet at home (per month)
Data consumption for internet use at home varies greatly depending on individual usage frequency and purpose. Below are general data consumption guidelines.
Video viewing (30 hours in HD quality) : Approximately 90GB
Remote work (video conference 1 hour per day x 20 days) : Approximately 20GB
SNS/Web browsing (1 hour per day) : 5-10GB
Total : Approximately 120-150GB per month
As such, if you consume a lot of data, such as watching videos or working remotely, you will often need more than 100GB of data, and if you only need tethering, an unlimited plan is ideal.
Requirements for living solely on tethering
There are a few important conditions to meet in order to use tethering to connect to the Internet at home. If you keep these in mind, it will be easier to ensure a stable Internet environment.
Unlimited data plan : Data usage will be high, so an unlimited or large data plan is essential. Large data capacity is required for watching videos and working remotely.
Stable internet speed : Fast and stable internet speeds are necessary, especially during remote meetings and online learning. 5G-compatible internet lines allow you to use the internet more comfortably.
Battery capacity : Tethering consumes a lot of battery power, so it is ideal to have a smartphone with a large capacity battery or an environment where you can tether while charging.
Allowable number of connected devices : If your family or multiple devices use the Internet at the same time, it is convenient to choose a plan and device that allows a large number of connected devices.
Top 3 Mobile Phone Carriers for Tethering
1st place: Rakuten Mobile
Features and details : Rakuten Mobile's "Rakuten UN-LIMIT VII" plan offers unlimited data usage of over 20GB for just 3,278 yen (tax included) per month, making it ideal for those who use a lot of data.
Features and benefits of Rakuten Mobile: Rakuten Mobile's "Rakuten Strongest Plan" is suitable for tethering in the following ways:
Unlimited data usage (within Rakuten network area): You can use it without worrying about the limit. In particular, if you are in a Rakuten network area, you can use unlimited data, making it comfortable for watching videos and video conferencing.
Low Prices : Very reasonable monthly rates, especially free for less than 1GB. Pricing is simple and straightforward.
Point redemption : When combined with use within the Rakuten economy, it is easy to accumulate Rakuten points, effectively saving on communication costs.
2nd place: Y!mobile
Features and details : Y!mobile uses SoftBank's lines, and has a stable communication quality. The advantage of the 25GB plan is that you can continue to use it at a speed of 1Mbps even if you use up all the data.
Pros : Tethering is easy, and there are plenty of options for data rollover and additional charges. Simple pricing means you can use it with peace of mind.
3rd place: ahamo
Features and details : Docomo's ahamo offers 20GB of data for 2,970 yen (tax included) per month, with options to add more data.
Advantages : Docomo's wide coverage area means stable signal and attractively simple pricing plans.
About Rakuten Mobile
We have briefly summarized the features of Rakuten Mobile, which has many other attractive features besides tethering.
1. Features of Rakuten Mobile
Unlimited Data
Fast and stable communication
Easy to deploy
Rakuten Mobile offers unlimited data communication, making it an excellent alternative to fixed internet lines.
Another attractive feature is that it allows for fast and stable communication and is easy to install. For example, no construction is required and you can start using it on the same day, making it ideal for people moving or starting a new life.
2. Rakuten Mobile Area Coverage
Covering major cities nationwide
Available locally
Rakuten Mobile covers major cities across the country and is also available in rural areas. This means that you can have a stable internet environment no matter where you live. For example, it is available not only in urban areas, but also in mountainous areas and remote islands, so it is suitable for a wide range of users.
3. Rakuten Mobile's support system
24/7 customer support
Online chat and phone support
Rakuten Mobile offers 24-hour customer support, including online chat and phone support, so you can get immediate help when you need it, and use the service with peace of mind.
Introducing Rakuten Mobile's pricing structure and additional services! Don't miss out on the great deals!
Pricing
Monthly fee : from 2,980 yen
Unlimited plans available
Rakuten Mobile's pricing structure is very simple, and it is available from 2,980 yen per month. There is also an unlimited plan, so you can use it without worrying about data usage. For example, you can enjoy streaming videos and online games for a long time.
Additional services
Earn Rakuten points
Shopping at Rakuten Market is now even more affordable
By using Rakuten Mobile, you can earn Rakuten points and get even more value when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba. This makes your daily life more convenient and profitable. For example, there are campaigns that double your points when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba, which is kind to your household budget.
Rakuten Mobile Benefits
First month free campaign
Contract renewal benefits
Rakuten Mobile also offers a first month free campaign and special benefits when you renew your contract. This allows even first-time users to start with peace of mind. For example, the first month's fee is free, so you can try it out.
We are currently running an employee referral campaign! Get great benefits!
Campaign Details
Rakuten points will be given to the introducer and the person introduced
Check the official website for details on the benefits
Rakuten Mobile is currently running an employee referral campaign. Those who refer someone will receive 14,000 Rakuten points, which is a great deal.
How to use the campaign
Click the link below to go to the campaign page
Click the Entry button
Log in with your Rakuten ID
Once the application page appears, your entry is complete!
By using Rakuten Mobile, you can enjoy a sufficient performance as a replacement for a fixed internet line, and you can also receive advantageous benefits. We hope you will take this opportunity to consider Rakuten Mobile.