Any Willcom users out there?

[kpm]

Hello, Anyone using Willcom here?
My friend told me it's only about 2900 yen per month - unlimited talking time between Willcom users, and unlimited emails to all networks. But calls to other networks are billed per 30 seconds. Still cheaper than the big 3. Sounds like a deal. But what about receptions? Not much nice phones to choose from but hey, it's cheap... Any comments about Willcom? THANKS!!

[DenshaDeGO]

I use Air H for internet while at work. Air H is now Willcom. I've never had any problems with them, but never used their network for voice data transmissions.

[Mr.Computer]

Yeah, I'd also be interested to hear if anyone is using the new Willcom service...any details would be great...

[TenaciousMe]

http://www.willcom-inc.com/en/index.html

I just got a new Willcome phone the other day (WX310SA).

It`s pretty badass thus far. Slick interface, nice design, and the best English translations and prompts that I`ve seen on a keitai in Japan.

I signed up with the Super Pack S plan which essentially allows me to pay a flat monthly rate of about 3500 yen, and includes `mail hodai` and half-price Java web browsing. Each additional talk minute is like 9 yen. Also comes with a nice 1.3 meg camera, Mini SD, etc.

Seems good, but I`ll have a better idea once the bills start coming in. Their website doesn`t have much in English, but it should give you a general idea. They seem to be introducing nice new models recently as the selection they had a few months ago sucked.

One bummer is that their service line has no English staff, which is to be expected when you`re an upstart telecom player.

[murph]

I use Air H for internet while at work. Air H is now Willcom. I've never had any problems with them, but never used their network for voice data transmissions.

What sort of download rates do you get?

I've got 4x service and I've never seen more than 11KBs = 88Kbs. Maybe that is expected with an 128Kbs connection?

[DenshaDeGO]

For downloads, I average anywhere from 4~10k per second. I'm pretty sure it doesn't get any faster than that.

Such is wireless :(

Still, it beats having to use the school's network (which they probably don't want me using anyway.) And it's good for checking auctions and such on short notice.

[murph]

For downloads, I average anywhere from 4~10k per second. I'm pretty sure it doesn't get any faster than that.

Thanks. I assume you have 4x as well?
I was thinking about 8x, but the card sticks out so much that my laptop would not fit nicely in my bag anymore :(

For me it, beats not having any internet connection while my FTTH gets installed.

And having a choice of being anywhere (like, say, the park), rather than the two smokey cafes where I can get wifi, is pretty nice...

[DenshaDeGO]

I have the USB modem, AH-F401U, which I use with my PowerBook. The plan I have is the 128k 繋ぎ放題 which costs \8000/月. I pay \945/月 to DION as my provider.

To some it's expensive and a waste of money, but I stay connected at work all day long (7+ hours) and don't have to worry about a huge bill. I don't have to use the school's network, which means no blocked sites (LEGIT ones ;) ) access to USENET, private email, and I don't have to worry about packet sniffing or filtering. I SSH into my home server from work, and I would never do it from the school's network.

There is something cool about surfing the net while sitting in a park, or waiting for the train to come. I don't want to go to an internet cafe because their computers are a.)filthy b.)windows machines c.)very often used by people who are not checking their email.

Cafes are full of smokers and make me sick.

... and the tables are too small. Trying to put a plate with something to eat, a laptop and a cup of coffee or tea on those small tables is real balancing act.