A 51-year-old man who chose a low-cost SIM for its affordability canceled Japan Communications SIM after 5 months. The differences between networks and the importance of how a service is used have once again become clear.
Popo had tried 8 low-cost SIM providers, including major carriers. The first, Japan Communications SIM, offered 30GB for ¥2,178 per month. Although he chose it for its low price, he encountered difficulties when considering how well it worked in practice. He came to realize that differences between low-cost SIMs, which are affected by signal coverage and network type, can be substantial even within the same “low-cost SIM” category.
The reason he canceled Japan Communications SIM after 5 months was the lack of a function for switching between high and low speeds. When watching videos in a car during his commute, the service's specifications quickly led to insufficient data. He had experienced the same issue with ahamo and concluded that low price and data volume alone did not suit the way he used the service. The initial fee was ¥3,300.
He currently uses mineo. The monthly fee is ¥700 higher than Japan Communications SIM's, but the packet-free and data rollover features make the service easier to use. More than 2 years have passed since he signed up in May 2024, and he is highly satisfied with the current service. His family members continue to use ahamo and other low-cost SIMs, demonstrating that the best choice differs according to how each person uses the service.
In conclusion, choosing a low-cost SIM requires a comprehensive comparison not only of price but also of signal conditions where one spends most of one's time, as well as usability features such as network switching and data rollover.