5 recommended cheap SIMs for docomo lines! A thorough explanation of the benefits of switching and the points to choose!

Recently, an increasing number of companies are offering "cheap SIMs" using the lines of three major carriers.

These cheap SIMs may be slightly less crowded and faster than the three major carriers, but they allow you to use your smartphone at a fairly low monthly fee.

Among them, this article introduces recommendations for MVNO companies that use docomo lines. We will also explain the benefits of switching and the points of choosing a contractor.

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Four advantages of switching from docomo to a docomo line-based cheap SIM

First, I will introduce the merits of switching from docomo to a docomo line-based cheap smartphone. The four main benefits are:

I will explain each of these in detail. If you are currently using a docomo smartphone, this is a must-see.

Monthly charges are overwhelmingly cheaper

The biggest advantage of cheap smartphones is that the monthly charges are overwhelmingly cheaper than the rate plans of the three major carriers. For the three major carriers, the monthly fee is about 5,000 to 10,000 yen.

On the other hand, cheap smartphones can be used for about 2,000 to 5,000 yen per month, depending on the monthly data communication volume.

The speed may be slow during the evening or night time when the line is crowded, but there is no problem when browsing SNS.

In addition, if you connect to your home or office Wi-Fi, you can use your smartphone at a comfortable speed without increasing the amount of data communication.

Especially for those who have a Wi-Fi environment at home or work, it is recommended because the amount of data communication consumed is small, so the monthly fee can be further reduced.

You can transfer without SIM unlock procedure!

"SIM lock" means that the built-in SIM card is locked so that it cannot be used by other vendors. Therefore, in general, "SIM unlock" is required when using the smartphone as it is and only changing providers.

However, if you switch from docomo to a docomo line, you do not need to unlock the SIM because you are transferring on the same line. Since SIM unlocking is troublesome and complicated, the fact that SIM unlocking is not required is a great advantage.

Cheap SIM contracts are loosely tied to the contract period

The three major carriers have a restricted contract period of about two years.

This is a rule that a cancellation fee will be charged if you cancel within 2 years after signing the contract, or if you cancel at a timing other than the period specified for cancellation even after 2 years have passed. is.

In contrast to the restrictions of these three major carriers, cheap smartphones have a fairly loose contract period. Although it varies from company to company, there are almost no companies that set it for at least two years, ranging from about half a year to unrestricted.

Therefore, if you feel that the price plan and usability do not suit you, you can switch to another company relatively quickly without a cancellation fee.

The internet coverage area is the same as docomo

Because we use docomo's network for internet communication, Of course, the internet coverage area is the same as docomo's.

Therefore, if you used a docomo smartphone before and had no problems, you don't have to worry about being disconnected due to the area even if you switch to a cheap smartphone that uses a docomo line.

Comparison of 5 recommended docomo line-based cheap SIMs

From here, we will introduce 5 recommended docomo line-based cheap smartphones. This time we will introduce the following cheap smartphones.

These are all cheap smartphone vendors that use docomo lines. We will explain the features, price plans, and recommended ones for each.

OCN Mobile ONE

OCN Mobile ONE is an MVNO company operated by OCN, a major provider, using docomo lines. Therefore, you can use it with confidence because the support for communication is generous.

There are three types of SIMs that can be used: "Voice compatible SIM", "SMS compatible SIM", and "Data communication SIM". You can choose a plan that suits your needs, such as "I want to make calls with a voice-enabled SIM" or "I just want to browse the Internet, so I have a data-only SIM".

In addition, if you are using OCN Hikari, there is a discount that makes the monthly fee even cheaper. By applying the OCN Hikari Mobile Discount, you can get a discount of 200 yen from the monthly fee, which is very profitable. We have many other promotions.

If the contract is after November 20, 2019, there is no minimum usage period. Therefore, those who switch from now on can use any SIM without a minimum usage period.

OCN Mobile ONE is recommended for those who are looking for a cheap smartphone with no minimum usage period, and for those who have already signed a contract with OCN Hikari.

*Rates are information as of September 2021.

mineo

mineo is that you can choose the carrier that uses the line. "A plan (au)", "D plan (docomo)", and "S plan (softbank)" will not change the price regardless of which one you choose.

Therefore, if you are switching from docomo, the D plan is the most recommended. Also, only D plan can be paid using mineo carrier payment. It is possible to change the plan in the middle, but please note that a change fee will be charged at that time.

You can choose from two types of charges: "single type" and "dual type". The single type is a data communication only plan, and the dual type is a voice call + data communication plan.

mineo, like OCN Mobile ONE, has no minimum usage period. Also, there are plenty of campaigns, so be sure to check them out. mineo is recommended for those who want to use various lines, those who are looking for a plan with no minimum usage period, and those who want to keep their charges low.

*Rates are information as of September 2021.

BIGLOBE Mobile

BIGLOBE Mobile, like OCN Mobile ONE, is an MVNO operated by a provider. So you can see that the plans and pricing are similar.

The features such as "3 types of SIMs can be used" and "200 yen discount every month if you subscribe to your own optical line" are exactly the same as OCN Mobile ONE. Therefore, if you originally used either OCN or BIGLOBE line, you can use it at a discount if you also contract a smartphone with the same provider.

BIGLOBE Mobile allows you to choose from a wide range of plans, from 1 giga plan to 30 giga plan. Also, voice call SIM has a minimum usage period of 1 year, but data SIM with SMS function and data SIM do not have a minimum usage period.

BIGLOBE Mobile is recommended for those who originally subscribed to a fiber-optic line with BIGLOBE, or for those who have a family member who subscribes to BIGLOBE Mobile, and who want to set the monthly data traffic in detail.

*Prices are as of September 2021.

IIJmio

IIJmio is an MVNO company that offers great plans and pricing. You can use smartphones at a low price compared to other cheap smartphones. IIJmio, like OCN Mobile ONE and BIGLOBE Mobile, offers monthly discounts for those who have already subscribed to a fiber-optic line with mio.

The plan can be selected from "2 Giga Plan", "4 Giga Plan", "8 Giga Plan", "15 Giga Plan" and "20 Giga Plan". In addition, you can choose from four types of SIM cards: "voice", "SMS", "data", and "eSIM", so you will be able to find a plan that suits you.

Also, the minimum usage period for IIJmio is until the last day of the month following the day you start using it, which is about 1-2 months. It would not be an exaggeration to say that there is almost no binding for such a short period of time.

IIJmio is especially recommended for those who are looking for a plan that fits their data traffic volume at a low monthly fee, and for those who want to switch at a good price.

*Prices are as of September 2021.

nuro mobile

nuro mobile allows you to choose a line from 3 carriers, just like mineo. Therefore, switching from docomo is easy.

The price is very cheap, and even a SIM with voice call costs less than 3GB800 yen. It can be said that it is a very cheap supplier among cheap smartphones. There is no minimum usage period for contracts after April 2021. Therefore, those who are considering changing from now on will not be tied.

Nuro Mobile is a great deal if you don't use much data, have a Wi-Fi environment at home, or don't make a lot of calls.

*Prices are as of September 2021.

Points and methods for choosing a docomo line-based cheap SIM

The following three points are important when choosing a cheap smartphone that suits you.

I will explain each in detail.

Choose from data usage

Do you know how much data you use per month? For those who enjoy watching videos on the go, those who have Wi-Fi at home, and those who rarely make calls, the amount of data communication varies greatly depending on how they are used.

First, figure out how much data you use per month. By doing so, you can use it as a reference for choosing the plan that suits you when you switch.

Choose from communication speed

The communication speed determines the comfort of using a smartphone. If it's too slow, it can take a long time to load, which can be frustrating.

In addition, the speed changes depending on the time of day and the line within the living area. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the network conditions near your home.

Choose from options for unlimited voice calls and unlimited videos

If you make frequent calls, you can choose an unlimited voice plan, and if you often watch videos, you can choose an unlimited video plan. You can use your smartphone comfortably by choosing the option that suits you.

Also, recently there are discount plans that include Hulu, DAZN, and NETFLIX monthly fees. Check out the services you use and find the price plan that's right for you.

Precautions/disadvantages when switching from docomo to docomo line-based cheap SIM

There are points to be aware of when switching from docomo to docomo line-based cheap SIM. Keep in mind that there are three drawbacks:

I will explain these in detail.

The communication speed may be slower than docomo

Even though you are using the same line as docomo, the top priority is the smartphone of the docomo carrier. For that reason, keep in mind that cheap SIM users may experience slightly slower communication speeds than docomo. Since it varies depending on the time of day and where you live, there are some things that you won't know until you actually change trains.

Docomo carrier services such as docomo payment and mail will not be available

Carrier billing and carrier mail that docomo carrier users can use cannot be used if you switch to a cheap smartphone. Be careful if you frequently use carrier billing or carrier mail. It is necessary to switch to credit card payment or change to a free email address.

Cancellation fees may apply when canceling with docomo

Even though you are using the same line, docomo and cheap smartphones are different companies. Therefore, once you cancel docomo, you may be charged a cancellation fee. In addition to DOCOMO's minimum usage period, be sure to check the cancellation fee as well.

People who recommend switching from docomo to a docomo line-based cheap SIM

Some people may find it very profitable to switch from docomo to a docomo line-based cheap smartphone. Here are the characteristics of people who are easy to get a good deal.

I will explain each in detail.

People who want to lower their smartphone charges as much as possible

For those who want to lower their monthly smartphone charges as much as possible, it is definitely more profitable to switch to a cheap smartphone. The monthly charge for docomo is around 5,000 to 10,000 yen, while the monthly charge for cheap smartphones is around 1,000 to 5,000 yen.

People who don't need a lot of data

Monthly charges for low-cost smartphones vary greatly depending on the monthly data traffic volume. The more data you use, the more you pay, so if you don't use a lot of data, or if you have a Wi-Fi environment at home, it will be a great deal.

People who don't often use the phone/call function

Basically, voice calls on cheap smartphones are an option. The more voice calling options you want, the higher the price. Therefore, if you don't usually make calls, you can use a smartphone at a great deal.

People who recommend docomo over cheap SIMs for docomo lines

On the other hand, if you prefer docomo carriers to cheap smartphones for docomo lines, click here.

I will explain these in detail.

Those who need an unlimited call plan that makes calls better

Basically, there are almost no unlimited call plans for cheap smartphones. 10 minute call and 30 minute call options are mostly available.

On the other hand, docomo has an unlimited unlimited calling plan. Therefore, if you are a frequent caller, it is recommended that you keep docomo as it is easier to use.

Those who want stable communication speeds

Budget smartphones inevitably have slower speeds than the communication speeds of the three major carriers. Therefore, if you are looking for a stable communication speed, we recommend docomo and other three major carriers.

[Reliable and generous] Those who want docomo's support

Some cheap smartphones operate online only without having a store. Therefore, some people may find it inconvenient in the unlikely event of a breakdown or when they want to consult about something. On the other hand, docomo's in-store consultation and support are generous, so you can rest assured.

How to switch from docomo to docomo line-based cheap SIM

From here, we will introduce the actual procedure to switch to docomo line-based cheap smartphone. Here are the high-level steps: 1 Get an MNP reservation number from docomo 2 Contract a cheap SIM within the expiration date of the MNP reservation number 3 Insert the SIM card 4 Set the APN

I will explain in detail along the steps.

1: Get MNP reservation number from docomo

If you want to use the same phone number you used with docomo, you need to get a MNP number. The procedure can be done at the store or online, so let's get it by the method that suits you.

2: Contract a cheap SIM within the expiration date of the MNP reservation number

The MNP reservation number has an expiration date. Let's contract a cheap SIM before the deadline expires. Basically, it is recommended to obtain an MNP reservation number after deciding where to transfer. Contracts are mostly done online, but if the company has a store, it is OK to go to the store.

3: Insert the SIM card

When you receive the SIM card, insert it into your smartphone. Here are the rough settings.

4: Configure APN settings

APN settings refers to Internet communication settings. It may not be necessary. APN settings are explained in detail at the time of contract, so please make settings according to the explanation.

Ahamo, which is as cheap as a cheap SIM, is also recommended for those who use more than 20G of data per month!

Some people may think that cheap smartphones are not suitable because of the large amount of monthly data communication. If your monthly data traffic exceeds 20GB, we recommend ahamo, which is as cheap as a cheap SIM.

ahamo is a cheap plan developed by docomo. You will not be able to make a contract at a store and you will not be able to use the carrier mail service, but it is a very cheap and easy-to-use plan. Even if the amount of data communication is large, it is cheaper than docomo, so it is recommended.

Summary

In this article, we introduced how to switch from docomo to a docomo line-based cheap smartphone. It is convenient because you do not need to go through the SIM unlocking procedure if you are switching to a carrier that uses the same line.

In addition to the five companies introduced this time, there are cheap smartphones with docomo lines, so please consider switching to a cheap smartphone that suits you while keeping the points in mind.