Transitioning to SoftBank Air: Changes in Internet Service and Phone Plans

I went to a Softbank store on Friday to cancel my cellular data connection contract for my iPad. At that time, they offered to review my rate plan; since my iPad mini is a Wi-Fi model, I offered to use tethering with my iPhone.

On the other hand, I use VDSL-based internet service in my apartment. Apparently, NTT is planning to terminate its VDSL service. This is the first time I have learned of this fact: if the switchover to the optical wiring system is not completed by January 31, 2026, the VDSL/LAN service will no longer be available.

Since my apartment complex is already compatible with another company's Internet service, I don't think my landlord will be able to make that switchover.

So they suggested me Softbank Air and “おうちのでんわ (home phone)”. These are Wi-Fi terminal and home phone services using Softbank's cellular line.

With SoftBank Air 6, the maximum transmission speed is 2.7 Gbps, which is significantly faster than VDSL, which has a maximum transmission speed of 100 Mbps.

It is also possible to use the internet service already installed in my apartment. However, there is a cancellation settlement fee to cancel NTT's VDSL internet service. No one will cover that penalty fee. Besides, there is the point that I may still need a fax machine. I also want to keep my home phone number for a while.

Currently, NTT's VDSL Internet service is offered as Softbank Hikari with a set discount for cell phones. With the transition from SoftBank Hikari to SoftBank Air, SoftBank will compensate the cancellation reimbursement.

I could not make a decision right away. I promised to consider it until Monday.

If you think about it, we hardly ever use our home phones anymore, and our mobile phones are sufficient for our needs. I don't think anyone uses a fax machine nowadays, but I want to see how it goes for a while. Even if I use a fax once in a blue moon.

However, the way to send a fax from “おうちのでんわ” is different from the general way. You can send a fax by putting “0009” in front of the fax number of the recipient.

Thus, I visited a SoftBank store yesterday to complete the application process. The initial contract cancellation is by May 5. I've been using it for a while and it seems fine.

The number portability process for my home phone is scheduled to be completed on May 12. I may not have to cancel my initial contract.