BIC Wimax roaming charges inside Japan?
Sorry if this is an obvious question, but I got this BIC Wimax pocketwifi a while back and I'm planning to travel inside Japan. I live in Tokyo and that's where my contract is registered. Are there any extra roaming fees inside Japan, or is it just under my monthly flat fee? I don't see anything on their website, but just in case I overlooked it and get stuck with a huge bill. Thanks.
Posted Mar 16, 2021, 1:45 PM UTC
14
There are no roaming charges and it is not possible to incur charges without your knowledge.
What is branded as 'WiMAX 2+' is not WiMAX at all, but merely TDD-LTE in Band 41. Coverage is somewhat limited and the service area may be viewed here: https://www.uqwimax.jp/wimax/area/
When you are outside of the 'WiMAX 2+' service area, depending on the device you are using and the service plan you are subscribed to you have the option of using additional coverage in other frequency bands: this is sometimes called 'LTE' or 'au 4G LTE', but the term is marketing nonsense, since 'WiMAX 2+' itself is LTE: the distinction is purely artificial.
If you service plan is the same as this, you will have access to this additional coverage if you pay for it, or if you have a plan with a three year term: in both cases, usage is limited to 7GB per month.
You may also view the extended coverage area here: https://www.uqwimax.jp/wimax/area/ - you will notice that in places like Hokkaido there is quite a difference.
Wow, thanks for the detailed answer! Good to know this other information too.