Top Reliable Internet Providers in Japan 2024

Top Reliable Internet Providers in Japan 2024

Japan boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, averaging 149.3 Mbps in 2020. By 2023, Japan is expected to roll out 6G networks, allowing data transmission speeds up to 1 Tbps.

Internet access offers numerous benefits for users in Japan, such as supporting education, work, entertainment, communication, shopping, payment, and much more. It also connects Japan to the world, facilitating cultural exchange and collaboration.

However, using telecommunications networks in Japan also presents challenges, such as high costs, weak cybersecurity, a lack of privacy, and restricted freedom of expression. Therefore, choosing a reputable and high-quality internet provider is crucial to ensure the best internet experience in Japan.

In this article, I will introduce the top 6 most reliable internet providers in Japan for 2023, ranked from highest to lowest. I will use the following criteria to compare and evaluate these providers: speed, coverage, cost, customer service, and user satisfaction. Let’s dive in!

1. NTT Docomo

NTT Docomo is the largest internet provider and telecommunications company in Japan. Offering high-speed mobile plans (4G and 5G), extensive coverage, reasonable prices, and excellent customer service, NTT Docomo is highly regarded for its quality and reliability.

  • Speed: NTT Docomo boasts the fastest mobile network in Japan, with an average speed of 67.9 Mbps for 4G and 237.6 Mbps for 5G. It was also the first provider to roll out 5G in Japan in 2020.
  • Coverage: It has the widest mobile network coverage, covering more than 99% of the population with 4G and over 70% with 5G. NTT Docomo also partners with numerous international providers, allowing users to stay connected while traveling or on business trips abroad.
  • Cost: The company offers flexible and affordable mobile plans to suit various needs and budgets. Plans range from 1 GB to 100 GB per month or from 30 minutes to 24 hours per day, priced from ¥980 to ¥8,980 per month.
  • Customer Service: NTT Docomo offers professional customer service with multiple contact channels, including phone, email, online chat, and direct visits to NTT Docomo stores. They also provide support in English and Vietnamese for foreign users.
  • User Satisfaction: According to a 2020 survey by market research firm MMD Labo, NTT Docomo was voted the most satisfactory mobile internet provider, with an 86.4% user satisfaction rate.

2. SBank

Known for its strong financial backing and significant investments in tech companies, SBank provides high-speed mobile plans (4G and 5G), extensive network coverage, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. SBank is well-regarded for its innovation and flexibility.

  • Speed: SBank has the second-fastest mobile network in Japan, with average speeds of 54.1 Mbps for 4G and 165.3 Mbps for 5G. It was the second provider to deploy 5G in Japan in 2020.
  • Coverage: It covers over 98% of the population with 4G and more than 60% with 5G. SBank also collaborates with many international providers for global connectivity.
  • Cost: SBank offers competitive pricing and attractive promotions, with plans from 1 GB to 100 GB per month or from 30 minutes to 24 hours per day, priced from ¥980 to ¥8,980 per month. Additional perks include free phones, movie tickets, airline tickets, and loyalty points.
  • Customer Service: The company provides professional customer service through various channels, including phone, email, online chat, and SBank stores. Support is available in English, Japanese.
  • User Satisfaction: SBank was rated the second most satisfactory mobile internet provider by users, with an 84.7% satisfaction rate, according to MMD Labo.

3. KDDI

With a long history and extensive telecommunication experience, KDDI offers high-speed mobile plans (4G and 5G), nationwide coverage, reasonable pricing, and good customer service. KDDI is appreciated for its stability and reliability.
  • Speed: KDDI ranks third in mobile speed with averages of 48.7 Mbps for 4G and 147.8 Mbps for 5G. It was the third provider to launch 5G in Japan in 2020.
  • Coverage: It covers over 97% of the population with 4G and more than 50% with 5G. KDDI also partners with international providers for seamless connectivity abroad.
  • Cost: KDDI offers flexible and affordable plans ranging from 1 GB to 100 GB per month or from 30 minutes to 24 hours per day, priced from ¥980 to ¥8,980 per month.
  • Customer Service: KDDI provides professional customer support through phone, email, online chat, and KDDI stores, with assistance available in English and Vietnamese.
  • User Satisfaction: According to MMD Labo’s 2020 survey, KDDI received an 82.9% user satisfaction rate, ranking third in user satisfaction.

4. Rakuten Mobile

As an emerging provider with numerous incentives, Rakuten Mobile offers high-speed mobile plans (4G and 5G) at the lowest market prices, with broad coverage and good customer service. Rakuten Mobile is valued for its affordability and attractiveness.
  • Speed: Rakuten Mobile offers decent mobile speeds, averaging 38.2 Mbps for 4G and 128.6 Mbps for 5G. It was the fourth provider to introduce 5G in Japan in 2020.
  • Coverage: The provider covers over 96% of the population with 4G and more than 40% with 5G. Rakuten Mobile partners with international providers for global connectivity.
  • Cost: Rakuten Mobile offers the cheapest plans, with numerous incentives and free trials. Plans range from 1 GB to 100 GB per month or from 30 minutes to 24 hours per day, priced from ¥0 to ¥4,980 per month. Additional benefits include free phones, movie tickets, airline tickets, and loyalty points.
  • Customer Service: Rakuten Mobile offers professional customer service through phone, email, online chat, and Rakuten stores, with support available in English and Vietnamese.
  • User Satisfaction: Rakuten Mobile was rated as the fourth most satisfactory mobile internet provider, with an 81.2% satisfaction rate, according to MMD Labo.

5. Asahi Net

Specializing in fiber optic internet for households and businesses, Asahi Net provides high-speed plans (up to 10 Gbps), broad coverage in major cities, reasonable pricing, and excellent customer service. Asahi Net is praised for its professionalism and security.
  • Speed: Asahi Net offers the highest fiber optic speeds in Japan, up to 10 Gbps for households and businesses. It also provides stable and uninterrupted connections.
  • Coverage: The provider covers over 90% of households and businesses in major Japanese cities. Asahi Net partners with international providers for global connectivity.
  • Cost: Asahi Net offers flexible and affordable fiber optic plans ranging from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps, with pricing from ¥2,000 to ¥6,000 per month, based on speed and usage duration.
  • Customer Service: Asahi Net offers professional customer support through phone, email, online chat, and Asahi Net stores, with assistance available in English and Vietnamese.
  • User Satisfaction: According to MMD Labo’s 2020 survey, Asahi Net received the highest user satisfaction rate among fiber optic providers, with an 88.6% satisfaction rate.

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With a range of top-tier internet providers offering exceptional services, Japan's digital landscape ensures you stay connected, whether for work or leisure. Each provider excels in different areas, allowing you to choose one that best suits your needs for a seamless online experience. Enjoy the best of Japan's internet services in 2024!
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