Key Facts
• Following NTT Docomo and KDDI, SoftBank announces up to 550 yen monthly price increase.
• Unlimited data plan rises from 7,425 yen to 7,975 yen starting July.
• SoftBank Executive Officer Hiroyuki Terao cites network quality maintenance as reason.
• Last year, NTT Docomo and KDDI also implemented effective price hikes.
• All three major carriers now have increased fees.
• New free satellite-to-smartphone communication service included to cover no-signal areas.
• Overseas communication free for 5 days per month added.
• Price increase driven by rising material and labor costs.
• Rakuten remains the only major carrier maintaining current prices.
Summary
SoftBank joins NTT Docomo and KDDI in raising monthly mobile plan fees, with an effective increase of up to 550 yen. The unlimited data plan will cost 7,975 yen from July, up from 7,425 yen. Executive Officer Hiroyuki Terao explained the timing is critical to maintain current network quality amid rising operational costs. Alongside the price hike, SoftBank introduces free satellite communication services for areas without coverage and offers five days of free overseas data use monthly. This move reflects broader industry trends as all three major carriers raise prices due to increased material and labor expenses, while Rakuten continues to hold prices steady.
