Budget SIM + Fixed Line: Cut Your Communication Costs to Under ¥5,000/Month—Complete Guide to Optimizing Internet Expenses for Rental Residents

Communication Cost Reality for Rental Residents

Japan's household communication costs, including smartphone, fixed internet lines, and television (cable TV), often exceed ¥10,000–¥15,000 per month even for single-person households.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications household survey, the average monthly communication costs for households with two or more people is approximately ¥14,000 (2025 survey). Single-person households typically spend ¥7,000–¥10,000 per month on average.

The area with the greatest potential for cost reduction is smartphone pricing plans. Plans from major carriers (docomo, au, and SoftBank) are typically ¥3,000–¥5,000 more expensive than budget SIMs (MVNOs), so there's considerable room for savings.

What Are Budget SIMs (MVNOs)?

A budget SIM (MVNO: Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is an operator that provides services by renting network lines from major carriers. Since they don't need to own their own infrastructure, they can operate at low cost and pass significant savings on to users.

Key Features of Budget SIMs:

• •Monthly costs of ¥1,000–¥3,000 (¥3,000–¥5,000 cheaper than major carriers)
• •Same coverage areas as major carriers (docomo/au/SoftBank networks)
• •All basic features available—calls, SMS, and data
• •Most services allow you to complete signup entirely online

Disadvantages:

• •You can't use carrier email addresses (such as @docomo.ne.jp)
• •Speeds may drop during peak hours (midday and evening)
• •No access to major carrier in-store support

Comparison of Major Budget SIMs (2026)

Below is a comparison of typical budget SIM pricing plans.

※Pricing changes; please check each provider's official website for the latest information.

Tips for Choosing:

1. Check whether your current phone has SIM lock enabled
2. Check coverage in the areas you use most (docomo has the widest coverage)
3. Check your average monthly data usage and choose an appropriate plan
4. You can port your current phone number using MNP (Number Portability)

Optimizing Fixed-Line Internet (Home Wi-Fi) for Rental Apartments

If Your Rental Includes Free Internet

Many rental properties include free internet with a fixed line already in place. In this case, no additional internet contract is needed.

However, be aware of the following:

• •The internet provided by the property may be slow (shared lines)
• •It may not be suitable for work-from-home, gaming, or video creation, which require faster speeds
• •If you're unhappy with the speed, consider adding a home router (SoftBank Air, home 5G, etc.)

Options When Arranging Your Own Internet

Fiber-Optic Lines (Most Reliable Option):

• •NTT Hikari (Flets Hikari) + Provider package
• •au Hikari, SoftBank Hikari, etc.
• •Approximately ¥4,000–¥6,000 per month
• •Installation (drilling) may be required, so check with your property management company

Home Routers (No Installation Required):

• •SoftBank Air, docomo home 5G, au Home Router, etc.
• •Approximately ¥4,000–¥4,500 per month
• •Just plug it in and use it
• •Speeds are slower than fiber, but no installation is needed, making them ideal for rentals

Mobile Wi-Fi Routers (For Frequent Movers):

• •WiMAX + 5G, 5G-enabled mobile routers from docomo and other carriers
• •Approximately ¥3,500–¥5,000 per month
• •Portable and no paperwork needed when you move

Concrete Plan Examples: Cutting Communication Costs to Under ¥5,000/Month

For Solo Residents and Light Users

If your property includes free internet, simply switching to a budget SIM can reduce your communication costs to under ¥1,000 per month.

For Video Streaming and Work-from-Home

Even if your property doesn't allow fiber installation, a home router lets you get stable Wi-Fi without any construction work.

For Frequent Video and Gaming Use

Compared to a major carrier smartphone plus fiber plan (around ¥15,000/month), this saves you roughly ¥120,000 per year.

Steps to Reduce Communication Costs

1. Understand your current costs: List your smartphone bill, home Wi-Fi costs, and TV fees by month.

1. Check your data usage: From your phone settings, check your average monthly data usage for the past three months (verify you're not overpaying for more capacity than you use).

1. Consider switching to a budget SIM: Check when your current contract ends and identify when you can switch without cancellation fees.

1. Get an MNP authorization code: Request a Number Portability (MNP) authorization code from your current carrier (usually available online).

1. Apply for a budget SIM: Apply through your chosen provider's website and wait for your SIM card to arrive.

1. Review your home Wi-Fi: If your property includes free internet, no additional contract is needed. Otherwise, consider a home router or fiber line.

Important Notes on Installing Fiber in Rental Properties

Fiber installation may require drilling holes in the building's walls or floors. For rental properties, you must always obtain permission from your property management company or landlord before any work begins.

What to Confirm:

• •Permission for drilling (restoration to original condition may be required)
• •Whether the building is compatible with fiber installation (for apartment buildings, equipment in the MDF room must be checked)
• •Cost of removing the line when you move out

For apartment buildings, Flets Hikari's "Mansion Plan" is often already installed building-wide, in which case you only need a provider contract with no installation required. Ask your property management company whether fiber infrastructure is already in place.

Summary: Key Points for Reviewing Communication Costs in Rentals

• •Switching to a budget SIM can save ¥3,000–¥5,000 per month
• •If your property includes free Wi-Fi, no additional fixed-line contract is needed
• •Home routers are an installation-free way to get Wi-Fi in rentals
• •Understand your data usage and avoid overpaying for unnecessary capacity
• •Complete the MNP process after confirming when you can cancel your current carrier without penalty

Communication costs are a recurring monthly expense. A single review creates lasting savings. As a first step in reducing fixed costs for renters, please consider reviewing your communication expenses.

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