yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Networking] Falk:
Are you using one of the black iPhone SIMs? Then Google for "smile.world" and "APN" and you should find the correct settings for that connection.

If you are using one of the normal grey SIM cards, check the first post for the connection details and make sure that you really have the "Packet Flatrate Full" option. If you use the "Packet Discount" service even the correct settings are of no use whatsoever to you.

That said, I hope you get the bill sorted out. Softbank isn't known to be particularly flexible when it comes to these things, but you may be able to at least barter them down to a payable amount. If you choose not to pay, make sure to get another contract BEFORE they suspend your account as you may find yourself cut off completely otherwise.
[Networking] Falk:
And here's the confirmation: I just checked my bill and after one month of heavy usage (including occasional tethering) it amounted to a mere 6,250円. As I used my TP2 exclusively that means there is no IMEI checking going on and Softbank is relying solely on the black SIM as well as the correct APN settings. So whatever other people and Softbank salesmen tell you, it should be safe to use pretty much any device as long as you follow the information in this thread to the letter.
[Networking] websjapan:
hi

i have a nokia e51 unlocked - about three months ago when i first got it i managed to set up all the apn stuff ok and then after a couple of weeks the mms stopped working with an error message like mms server refused message.

i entered a different apn setting and it worked fine:

??” MMS ??” server: open.softbank.ne.jp

user: opensoftbank

pass: ???????? authentication:

Normal home page: http://mms/

proxy server address: mmsopen.softbank.ne.jp

proxy server nunber: 8080

but today it stopped working again - i cant send mms messages - just says waiting and retry.

has this happened to anyone else? none of the other apn settings i've found and used for mms work.

many thanks in advance for any info.

web browsing is fine using the ai@vodafone settings (i have the full pakehodai and that seems to have worked so far!)
[Networking] riuthamus:
Hey guys,

Well like many others here I am using softbank. I just moved to japan and set up tethering on the iphone itself (didnt know to get another phone) using the Cydia application. The tethering works great but I wasnt sure what would happen if I went full force. Being a creature who learns from trial and error, i downloaded 8gb of information or more last night....

When i went to the lady at our local softbank store and asked her if softbank had a tethering plan she didnt know what I was talking about. So i slightly explained it to her and she immediately said... NO NO IT WILL COST YOU LOTS! I was worried about this and thus obtained a number to call them about it. ( i havnt called them yet since I dont want to flag them that I was using tethering... just yet)

Is there any suggestions you guys might have? Is there a way to get an iPHONE to work with tethering and softbank, so I dont get charged up the asshole but I can use it moderately? IF there is please tell me as I am in a place where internet is not possible just yet... and im dying without the ability to play some of my games or to generally search the web.

Thanks for any help in advance.
[Networking] Zgembo:
welcome to the japanese way riuthamus,

Well, SoftBank officially does not allow tethering, they sell specialized packs including USB 3G dongles or similar devices to enable data plans over their 3G network. These plans are pretty expensive, and the only thing that is selling our mobile unlimited data plans is the assumption that we, numb consumers, are going to use Japanese phones. One obvious reason for these cheap unlimited data plans is that we can not consume too much bandwidth with these crippled phones at all, which guarantees safe profit for SoftBank. Do i need to add that all SoftBank phones that technically do support tethering have it intentionally disabled?

Well, there are people like you, not actually fitting into dumb consumer group, that knows of a way to use non-SB phones, or to fix SB phones into usable state. And then, we use tethering, right? Well, depends. Advise is, if you really have to do that, keep low profile. Dont go to SB shop asking these questions, unless you want to pay 200.000 yen phone bill. Dont use heavy network protocols, avoid P2P, change your PC browser's User Agent ID string to match your phone's, etc. If you finally get a warning from SB that you are using tethering or any other non-conventional data service, just play dumb. "I dont really know what was that, it must be something wrong with your phone, not my fault...".

Good luck
[Networking] moopage:
And here's the confirmation: I just checked my bill and after one month of heavy usage (including occasional tethering) it amounted to a mere 6,250円. As I used my TP2 exclusively that means there is no IMEI checking going on and Softbank is relying solely on the black SIM as well as the correct APN settings. So whatever other people and Softbank salesmen tell you, it should be safe to use pretty much any device as long as you follow the information in this thread to the letter.

Refer to above:

I heard that you use HTC TOUCH PRO2 like me.

I have same doubt like other. but i'm just not sure how can I go to ask the officer change or add a flat-rate full.

Now i'm using Touch PRO2 with grey softbank sim.

I bought softbank phone Softbank 830P and take out sim to put in my PRO2.

I work well for use call in-out and send sms.

I lock out the data-transfer by using program NODATA.

but now I want to use MSN,SKYPE,YOUTUBE,WEB SURF, etc.

so...

Can I just put back my sim to Softbank 830P phone and bring it of counter and ask them to add the flat-rate full??

or i have to cancled my WHITE PLAN first?

then, if they accept flat rate full to me. Then can I just put sim back to TP2 then surf internet without install any this .cab file?

so if after install .cab file.

Do I have to check any or avoid any program or website which can occer a extra fee?

Thank you so much of every answer you advise us all.
[Networking] diamondX04HT:
No need to cancel your white plan jus call Softbank helpdesk at 157 (they have english option) and ask them to activate Packet Flat rate for you. After that you can use unlimited data for jus 5700 yen per month.

Just create a new connection with the APN settings I have pmed you. Then you can go 3G on your TP2 ;)

I am currently using it on my HD2.
[Networking] Falk:
To answer your other questions: No, you don't need to install the CAB as the PW has been leaked. I will respect the initial poster's decision not to post it here, but the following should make it as easy as possible for you to get the correct access point set up:

Name: Softbank

Modem: Cellular (3G)

Access point: open.softbank.ne.jp

User name: opensoftbank

Password: here

As for pages and services to avoid, that's a "none" in general, but I would avoid using tethering and / or file sharing (yes, there are some crazy people who run BT clients on their mobiles...). If you have to connect your mobile to your laptop or PC, keep it brief.
[Networking] moopage:
Thank for both Riuthamus and Falk so much.

Maybe I have to wait till this month is nearly end.

so I can apply new flat rate.

One another question.

It will have any case that password changed by softbank, and we don't know

then it log in normally with the different package rate.

or when password changeed , then we just can not connect internet anymore?

highly regards, I very thank for your commend

--------------

additionnal question about package:

now softbank have 2 unlitmed internet plan

1. Unlimited Packet Discount : (For Softbank 3G [excluding X Series] user)

2. Packet Flat-rate Full : (For X Series and iPhone users) :

which package I should apply for?

the one we here always talk about is Packet Flat-rate Full.

but as it have " (For X Series and iPhone users) " so

do they will doubt that now I'm use Softbank830P don't you?

So why you gonna change to iphone package?

I found one notice in SOFTBANK PLAN CATALOGUE it told:

When PC Site Direct (X Series) is used, the flat-rate upper limit is 9800 yen/month,

when PC Site Browser (including PC Mail) is used, the flat-rate upper limit is 5985yen/month.

the PC Site Direct and PC Site Browser , what its different?
[Networking] moopage:
Have any one here ever use EMOBILE?

Are their service can use with WM MOBILE or HTC TOUCH PRO2 or BlackBerry?
[Networking] SBS:
Docomo to rumored allow IMEI registration soon

For those of you in Japan facing the unpleasant decision of throwing money at softbank or not using your o/s phone, I may have good news.

If what I was told is true, IMEI registration is coming to Docomo in a few months. I was also told at the same time that the SE Xperia X10 was coming in March. That turned out to be only partially true as a subsequent press release announced an April date.

Will just wait and see.

More details here
[Networking] moopage:
if that really happen it will be great!

thank for update news.

so maybe i can use bb in japan if they allow to regist bb too.
[Networking] sousukeM24R3:
Errors Connecting

Hi guys,

I have a Softbank Flat Rate account and the iPhone3GS w/ black sim card.

When I inserted my Softbank sim and tried the settings posted in the thread as well as the cab on the 1st post on my HD but I'm still getting error when connecting to the net. Any help?
[Networking] moopage:
from about answer i still doubt some point.

I would like to know what is your first mobile?

Did you start from a cheapest model like Softbank830P?

or start with X Series or Iphone3G?

because if you start with cheapest model like Softbank830P,

they will allow you to use Unlimited Packet Discount only!!!

now they have 2 package of "PACKET FLAT-RATE SERVICE"

1. Unlimited Packet Disount : for Softbank3G (excluding X Series) User

2. Packet Flat-rate Full : for X Series and Iphone3G user

I'm afraid Unlimited Packet Discount will NOT WORKED!!!

with APN code or CAB file that you gave us.

or is it WORK??

Thank you for your advice
[Networking] SBS:
I am told that you can walk in to a softbank store and apply for a packet flat-rate full plan even if you do not own an x series phone. I have not confirmed this, though.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES try to use the unlimited packet discount plan with an android phone. It will work... in getting you a very expensive phone bill.
[Networking] moopage:
---------------

with this

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES try to use the unlimited packet discount plan with an android phone. It will work... in getting you a very expensive phone bill.[/QUOTE]

does you means DON'T to use UNLIMITED PACKET DISCOUNT?

now I'm using HTC TOUCH PRO2 which I bring from THAILAND, and now I can use it in japan just for calling and receive phone call.

about 10 minuted ago,

I just call to 157 call center of softbank and apply for

Unlimited Packet Discount

they didn't allow me to use Packet Flat-Rate Full as in my information in their hand show that I bought SOFTBANK 830 from them.

So can i use Unlimited Packet Discount with my HTC TOUCH PRO2?

and use APN setting in this topic?

they will allow me to use only WALLET GARDEN program to surf internet?

I don't understand about WALLTE GARDEN?

it is only have in SOFTBANK PHONE?

so what about HTC PRO2 or other WM PHONE?
[Networking] SBS:
I mean do not use the unlimited packet discount plan.

The information you get from a cell phone company often depends on the person you talk to. One will say you can't do something, and another person will say you can. I would suggest that you go with a Japanese person and ask in a store in Japanese. If they say you can't get the x-series data plan, ask for confirmation from a manager.

I am told you can get the x-series plan. I have not confirmed this myself, though.
[Networking] Falk:
That would be great indeed, but I am not taking some employees word for it and won't recommend anybody here to hold their breath either. They are offering a semi-useful uncapped data plan that allows for 128 kbit/s. Frankly, Docomo seems to be so afraid of their own users (no 3G when connecting the handset to USB!?) that it's unlikely they are relaxing their anti-BYOD policies anytime soon.
[Networking] Falk:
(Soon ex-)EM user here! Don't even think about getting their network to run on anything but their own devices. They are using the very exotic Band IX 1700 MHz spectrum which is NOT compatible with the US Band IV version. I learned it all the hard way - neither a USB 3G Modem nor my T-Mo Touch Pro 2 did even find the EM network. Don't waste your time and rather get one of the black SB iPhone SIMs instead.
[Networking] Falk:
Just to make sure: DO NOT USE UNLIMITED PACKET DISCOUNT with the information in this thread. It's only for cell phones that can't access the full internet and use Softbank's "Walled Garden" (= limited internet). The "Walled Garden" internet is not available on smartphones which is why YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED PACKET FLATRATE FULL. Softbank will send you a hefty bill if you do otherwise and - unless you are willing to get blacklisted - they charge you at least a part of it. I hope this clarifies the matter once and for all.
[Networking] SBS:
Random employee may have been right!

I understand your caution and agree with you. But check this out. The yomiuri has a report on this. Maybe that random shop guy was right.

English

Japanese

I pasted the text in English and Japanese into a post since none of the Japanese newspapers archive their articles
[Networking] Falk:
Interesting! If the price is right I might opt to have the 3G-module in the iPad after all :D Should Docomo goes along with this, they still have one (temporary) protection against 3rd party handsets apart from Apple's latest: Few (if any) of the big phone makers are using the micro-SIM standard yet and it might be a while until you have access to a reasonable selection. That said, I am not sure if any technical reasons speak against micro-SIM -> SIM adapters.

The Nexus might make a dent in the mini-SIM market - Google is giving the carriers so much of the revenues that it could be worth overcoming the Xenophobia when it comes to foreign handsets, i.e. Docomo is so greedy for some of that Android Market money that they don't care whom they jump into the bed with... at least for the time being.

Other than that, make sure to read the fine print as I could imagine them to either limit transfer speeds or introduce or cap the data volume. I don't think that Japanese operators are giving up their stranglehold on the market that easily... it's simply too comfortable a position to be in and I can only imagine that they look with pity at their European counterparts that have to offer the latest Nokia in order to stay relevant. I hope to be proven wrong of course!
[Networking] SBS:
Good points. There is absolutely no technical difference between a micro and mini SIM. Only the footprint, which lead wired to wonder how many people are going to take a razor blade to their mini SIM cards. If you cut it precisely enough, you could leave the remainder as a make shift adapter to use in your phone, with the interior for the iPad.

Quoting from the article:

EDIT: bolded the last sentence in the wired quote because this is so true on so many levels.
[Networking] moopage:
Thank you so much, then I have to disable the unlimited package right away.

So did you means, I need to get these 2 things to use this APN setting and surf internet unlimited.

1. Black Sim Card (From Iphone user)

2. Apply for PACKET FLATRATE FULL

if i don't have both of these I CAN'T Right?

so I think I don't have to try anymore because

first, Black Sim Card only gets from buy Iphon, which i don't decide to buy and take out its sim card to use with my PRO2.

second, they will not allow user to apply PACKET FLAT RATE FULL, unless you have IPHONE to show them.

Then,

it means even I can apply PACKET FLAT RATE FULL but I don't have black sim card, I still can't use these setting. Right?
[Networking] SBS:
Just a quick note. I will write more tomorrow, but according to wikipedia, an owner of a normal (not a smartphone) softbank phone can apply for the packet flat rate full plan.

I cannot confirm this because I have never been a customer of softbank.

I suggest that you have someone who speaks Japanese ask for you. It may be that you were given incorrect information.

Also, you don't have to have an iPhone black SIM card. You can use a grey/silver SIM card as well. The APN for the grey/silver card is the open.softbank APN.

当初の料金は5,700円（税込5,985円）の定額であったが、2008年8月利用分から1,614円（税込1,695円[1]、20,175パケットまで）〜5,700円（税込5,985円、71,250パケット以上）の2段階制になった。従量部分は0.084円/パケット。 主にSoftBank X シリーズ及びiPhone 3Gの利用者向けである。その他のSoftBank 3G端末のみを使う利用者もこのオプションを付与可能だが、利用上のメリットがない

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/パケット定額

It says that the [packet flat rate full plan] is aimed at iphone and x series phone users but it is possible for users of other softbank 3G handsets (handsets only) to use the packet flat rate full plan.

So, maybe you need to buy a 0 yen 3G phone, put the SIM in YOUR phone, and then apply for the packet flat rate full plan.

I really think you need to get a Japanese speaker to help you with this.
[Networking] moopage:
Ahhh I got it

thank you very much for your information.

I'll try it again.
[Networking] moopage:
Ahhh

Today I call them again and ask for stuff who can speak ENGLISH.

I just say that I wanna change from Unlimited Internet to Flat Rate Full.

So I wait to 11 of Feb to start flat full rate with normal sim (gray sim)

I hope the code APN is WORK and can not be charge out of package.
[Networking] diamondX04HT:
Hii...sorry for the late reply....to clear your confusion I will explain my case in details to you....

First I borrowed my friends unused Softbank 705P handset....went to Yodobashi applied for SIM only.....activated white plan and Unlimited Packet pakage. I got the Silver SIM...got out the store and immediately inserted the SIM into Touch HD ( my then handset). It connected to 3g without any probs. Used it for a month....they charged me 9334 yen for Unlimited Packet usage.

Then I called Softbank (157) asked them to change my data plan to Packet Flat rate....they did it instantly....no arguments here.

From next bill onwards they are charging me 5700 yen for the Flat rate plan till date. Always used the opensoftbank APN which I had pmed you as it is the Silver SIM. Even did the occasional tethering too with both plans but never got charged extra ;)

Now I use HD2, checked the speeds on dslreports.com/mspeed....get around 600kbps on avg. Occasionally I watch mms streams too like mms://vipnrj.yacast.net/nrj_webtv02 on tcpmp player when I am bored :p

always got charged max 5700 yen for data usage...so far so good :)
[Networking] moopage:
THANK YOU FOR YOU REPLY

It's made me feel a lot more comfortable.

But

Softbank SIM have only 2 tyep right? Silver(Gray) and Black?

I'm waiting for 11th day of Feb comming. ^_^

I will told you all after I got that bill.
[Networking] moopage:
Now I'm already using 3G internet of softbank on my HTC TOUCH PRO2.

I already set up my phone with APN that you gave me and connect 3G softbank.

It work! and I also use "NoData" program to avoid phone automatic connect to softbank normal connecting. So I'm quite sure that now I'm using internet throught the APN setting that you gave me all the time.

I use it for 2 day already it fast enough to enjoy using web browsing and skype and msn on my PRO2.

But after 2 day I go to chack online billing "MY SOFTBANK" on web.

It show like this. So I'm not sure what its means. And how I'm gonna make sure that it will not charge me like its show. As internet package that i'm using, I already apply FLAT FULL RATE.

Thank you every comment.

PS: COULD ANYBODY SHARE A BILLING SCREEN CAPTION OF YOURS MOBILE WHICH APPLYING FLAT FULL RATE LIKE ME? I WANNA CHECK WHAT DIFFERENT BETWEEN MY BILLING AND YOURS.
[Networking] SBS:
I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY MISTAKES IN THIS TRANSLATION. I AM DOING THIS TO BE HELPFUL ONLY. I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATOR. This is not necessarily a literal translation. This is what it means to me when I read it and the spit it back out in English. A pro would likely translate it differently

But having said that, this basically says that you have used 26,502 yen worth of packets BEFORE any discounts are applied. This also says that the amounts shown DO NOT contain any discounts.

So, if you are properly enrolled in the packet discount plan, in the end, you will only pay the set price of 5985 yen or whatever the actual price is - I don't know for sure what the price is.

確定前料金照会

Pre-settled charge reference

実際の請求金額とは異なりますので、ご注意下さい。

Please be aware that the amount shown will be different than the actual amount billed.

＊パケットし放題、ホワイト家族24などの各類割引サービスが適用される前の概算金額です。

The amount shown is an estimate before application of all discounts such as unlimited packet and white plan.

＊パケットし放題Sにご加入中のお客様で、ホワイトプラン・ゴールドプランをご利用の場合、当月の概算通信料にソフトバンク携帯電話、ディズニーモバイル携帯電話苑のメールご利用分が含まれておりません。実際のご請求には含まれますのでご注意下さい。

(This sentence is confusing for me. WTF is a disney phone? WTF is a gold plan. And Why the F would charges not be calculated if and only if you are in the unlimited S plan and a white or gold plan????) For customers enrolled in the unlimited packet S plan, when using the white and gold plan, estimated charges for mail between softbank and disney mobile phones is not included but will be included in the actual bill.

＊基本料金、割引サービスの定額料、オプションサービスの月額利用金は含まれていません。

The base service charge, discount service set charges, and optional service charges are not included.

＊更新処理のため当月分のデータ反映に時間がかかる場合があります。

Until recent changes to you account are fully processed, it may take time until this reflects you actual monthly usage.

当月分

monthly usage

2/11/2010 - 2/12/2010

ご利用金プラン：ホワイトプラン

service plan: white plan

音声通話料：０円

voice charge: 0 yen

パケット通信料：２６，５０２円

packet charges 26,502 yen
[Networking] moopage:
thank you so much.

I maybe stop my internet usage.

And wait till the monthly fee gonna charge me.

It really a lot if I got full charge with this amout.

I also just call to confirm with service center that in their server have my stutus show that i'm using FLAT FULL RATE or not.

They also said it have!

And it gonna cut out after billing fee is out.

But I'm still worried it maybe not cut.

Cause, I every read from this website and one guy said that softbank may check you throught IEMI that you not use softbank phone and then charge you.

http://forum.gaijinpot.com/showthread.php?t=77852&highlight=softbank+bill

so I still doubt, anyway I may wait till this month end, it'll be safe for me right?

------------------------------------------

I got other idea about using internet with phone in japan.

Anyone know EMOBILE?

It have product called "POCKET WIFI : D25HW by HUAWEI"

this one will allow you connect your phone with it through wifi.

with monthly fee 5980yen. (Same rate with FLAT RATE FULL of Softbank)

So, instead of using 3G we can use wifi to surf internet through any device include WM PDA PHONE.

Anyone using this way?
[Networking] diamondX04HT:
Nothing to worry....at the end of the month they will apply discount....attached my billing screen for your reference...
[Networking] moopage:
i'm so relief when i saw your billing month bill.

Thank you so much.

So it means they will never check about IEMI right?

Then the point of using is.

1. Apply FLAT RATE FULL

2. Use APN setting

3. Select the right APN setting all the time. (I use NODATA to select the way to connect be cause it automatically create NORMAL SETTING NAME "SOFTBANK" so I force it use my own create apn to connect to internet).

This means when ever APN password was change by softbank anytime it will can't connect internet right? And we won't be charge by softbank by connect to internet by NORMAL SOFTBANK'S SETTING APN.

-----------------------

If I not use your APN setting and connect it with normal softbank setting, can it still connect to internet?

and will it being charge extra of flat rate full packet right?
[Networking] SBS:
That's awesome - $13,000 worth of packets.