For users of SoftBank Corp.’s ‘SoftBank’ mobile service in Japan thinking of traveling to the United States, there’s a unique service that may be of interest. Called “America Flat-rate” (or “America-houdai” in Japanese), the service gives SoftBank customers unlimited access to voice calls, data, and emails in the continental US, Hawaii and Alaska.
During a trip, hunting for Wi-Fi spots or worrying about roaming charges can be a barrier to quickly finding stores and restaurants with a smartphone. That’s where the convenience of America Flat-rate comes in handy.
This travel diary from a SoftBank News reporter shows how America Flat-rate works in practice.
‘SoftBank’ service users, take note! America Flat-rate offers unlimited calls and Internet at no extra charge
I'm in LA!
During my vacation, I stayed in Los Angeles, a popular destination that needs no introduction.
Since I'm the type of person that likes to thoroughly research sightseeing spots and stores on my smartphone, America Flat-rate really came in handy for this trip. Only available to ‘SoftBank’ smartphone users, America Flat-rate accesses local cellular networks to make communication smooth. Here are three main features.
1. Unlimited data usage at no extra charge
With America Flat-rate, you can use the Internet 24/7 on your smartphone at no extra charge. With the wide network area coverage of US telecommunication carriers like T-Mobile US, Verizon, and AT&T, reception is great and 5G connections are readily available.
2. Free calls within the US and to Japan
Local calls in the US are also free of charge. In addition to free voice calls to US numbers, calling Japan from the US doesn’t cost extra. Please note that if you make calls from within the US to countries other than the US or Japan, extra charges will apply.
3. Service is automatically applied
America Flat-rate is automatically applied to service plans, so there’s no need to sign up in advance. However, before traveling, you’ll need to check that your smartphone is global roaming enabled. After arriving at your destination, simply check and make some setting adjustments (see below). It’s a lot easier than reserving mobile Wi-Fi routers or local SIM cards!
America Flat-rate FAQs
- Q: Is data used with America Flat-rate added to the data communication fees normally billed for use in Japan?
A: No extra charges associated with America Flat-rate are added to the data communication price plan for use in Japan. - Q: Can I use America Flat-rate even if my communication speeds have been slowed down after going over my data limit?
A: If you’ve already used up the data allowance for your plan in Japan, you'll continue to experience slower communication speeds, even in America. Before traveling, apply to lift the speed limit to take advantage of fast speeds. - Q: Can ‘Y!mobile’ and ‘LINEMO’ customers use America Flat-rate?
A: No, Y!mobile and LINEMO customers cannot use America Flat-rate, but they can use the international roaming service called “Worry-free Global Roaming Flat Rate.”
Now that we’ve covered the basics of America Flat-rate, let’s get back to the trip.
First, let’s try to connect to America Flat-rate on an iPhone (see this page for more information on how to set it up on other devices).
STEP 1
Tap on “Cellular” in the ‘Settings’ menu.
STEP 2
Check “Cellular Data Options.” If it says “Roaming Off,” please switch it to “Roaming On.”
STEP 3
Turn on “Data Roaming.”
STEP 4
Tap on “Voice & Data” and confirm there’s a checkmark beside “5G Auto” or “5G On.”
Before traveling, ensure that “Global Roaming Service” is enabled
To use America Flat-rate, you need to be signed up for a free service called the “Global Roaming Service” (世界対応ケータイ in Japanese). You can check to see if you’re signed up when checking “Option Services” on “My SoftBank” (in Japanese only).
That was easy. Oh, I just got a text message from SoftBank.
The SMS is saying that America Flat-rate has been automatically applied. Look, I'm connected to T-Mobile US’s 5G network! Now I can use the Internet smoothly with my smartphone just as if I was in Japan!
The journey continues...
America Flat-rate easier to use than Wi-Fi routers or local SIM cards
I was connected to 5G networks for basically the whole time I was there. So I had no problem finding places on maps or uploading posts to my social media accounts. I could also tether devices to my smartphone, which was great!
For example, I checked to see what time the sun went down so I could see the sunset from Santa Monica Pier...
...searched for popular cafes and checked them out...
...used a map app to find the best walking route to an art museum...
...and uploaded photos to my Instagram.
What's great about America Flat-rate is that I could use the Internet as much as I wanted to without any extra usage fees. Wi-Fi routers and SIM cards need to be reserved in advance, but with America Flat-rate, I could use my smartphone right away just by changing the roaming settings on my smartphone. I’ll definitely use it again when I travel to the United States.
“Worry-free Global Roaming Flat Rate” recommended for travel outside the US
If you’re traveling to a country other than the United States, and are a ‘SoftBank,’ ‘Y!mobile’ or ‘LINEMO’ customer, you can use the “Worry-free Global Roaming Flat-rate.” The global roaming areas covered by this service are divided into three groups: "Flat-rate group L," "Flat rate group S," and "In-flight On-board Ship.” You can choose from two usage fee options: 24 hours and 72 hours. For Flat-rate group L, which covers countries and regions that are highly visited destinations, you can use the service starting from 980 yen for 3GB of data usage within 24 hours. You can start the service at any time you like, and it will automatically stop when you reach your data limit. To use this service, the “Global Roaming Service” must be enabled, and you must be signed up for “Global Roaming Packet Flat Rate,” so don't forget to check this before your journey.
(Posted on April 27, 2023, Original article posted on April 19, 2023)
by SoftBank News Editors
This service enables unlimited voice calls, SMS, and data usage in the United States–including Alaska and Hawaii–for ‘SoftBank’ service customers during their stay.
This global roaming service offers peace of mind with a flat-rate with coverage in 99% of countries and regions (except the US).
