The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will conduct a trial programme aimed at closing the digital divide by lending smartphones free of charge for up to 3 months to Tokyo residents aged 15 to 64 who belong to households exempt from resident tax. The initiative combines the loan of a smartphone with initial setup and operating support, with reservations opening on 15 October.
This report covers the launch of a trial programme centred on smartphone loans as a new initiative to close the digital divide. The programme is for Tokyo residents aged 15 to 64 who belong to households exempt from resident tax, and provides a smartphone loan for up to 3 months together with related support. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will cover communication fees during the loan period, and support for initial setup and basic operation is also included.
The programme’s features include the free loan of the smartphone, communication service and accessories, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s payment of communication fees during the loan period, and initial setup support including identity verification using a My Number Card. Procedures have been arranged with first-time smartphone users in mind, including attending an orientation before starting use and registering for official apps.
The application and loan process consists of making a visit reservation through the dedicated call centre, submitting the required documents at the service counter and undergoing screening, then completing the loan procedures. A total of 500 devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis, at no cost, for a loan period of up to 3 months.