Major developments in the low-cost SIM market in October 2026 included the launch of LIBMO’s new plan, a price cut by BB.excite Mobile and the postponement of the blue mobile launch.
LIBMO began offering its “Chō Nattoku Plan” on 20 October, revising its existing data-tier pricing to offer a choice of 5 data allowances. The new prices are ¥990 for 5GB, ¥1,540 for 10GB, ¥1,980 for 20GB, ¥2,970 for 40GB and ¥3,960 for 60GB. Bundle discounts with the TOKAI Group were expanded, the post-allowance speed was increased to 300kbps, and 5G (NSA) support is scheduled to begin in December. The existing plans are no longer accepting new applications.
BB.excite Mobile cut the monthly price of its 30GB plan to ¥1,980 and began supporting 5G. The service is available over the Docomo and au networks at no additional cost, although a compatible device and settings changes are required to use 5G.
NURO Mobile shortened the discount period for benefits available to new subscribers and MNP customers to 3 months. The monthly prices remain ¥499 for the VM Plan and ¥994 for the VL Plan, with only the discount period being reduced. mineo revised its fees effective 1 October: contract and plan change fees became ¥3,850, the SIM reissuance fee became ¥2,750, and the eSIM profile issuance fee became ¥0. Japan Communications postponed the launch of blue mobile by approximately 5 months, and the launch date has not been determined.