iphone in japan with docomo

[VIP KING]

Thanks, kavik379. Any additional info from iPhone or DoCoMo smartphone users will be useful to solve the puzzle and decipher the 'DoCoMo code'.

mpr.bizho.net might work as well if you used it with your HT-01A. FYI, I just created the same APN (mpr.bizho.net) on my phone (HT-03A) and it worked as well although the standard APN is mpr2.bizho.net. However, after using mpr.bizho.net, I couldn't use mpr2.bizho.net anymore as the 3G icon didn't show up anymore if I activated mpr2.bizho.net. Strange... I had to select 'Reset to default' under APN settings to get it working again. I also created mpr3.bizho.net, but this didn't work at all and the 3G icon didn't show up.

Bottom line: Docomo seems to have (at least) two APNs for high speed data traffic:
1) mpr.bizho.net
2) mpr2.bizho.net

VIP KING also found out that mopera.net works if one enters the Mopera username and password.


P.S.: Crazy idea: What do you guys think will happen if 5 or more DoCoMo customers with iPhones went to a big DoCoMo shop and asked how get the iPhone working under their network? Will they send us away or try to help us?

UPDATE TO ALL:

So I had a Japanese co-worker (he has Docomo also) look at my bill online with me and he confirmed I got charged extra for the data I used for the TWO days on my iphone. It clearly shows that my Biz Ho data capped at 5700yen, but there was another data usage charge that showed a fee of 2349yen for approx 116xxx packets . He said it read additional data use.

Now keep in mind, my normal bill for the last few months has been 12900yen, this includes my Blackbery plan and call time service. However this last bill for December (make note, on Dec 30 and 31, I set up and messed with my iPhone) was 154XXyen. We did the math and that's exactly what it comes down to. For just TWO days of use at roughly 116XXX packets of data, I got charged 2349yen!! Crazy stuff.

So here is the game plan... considering what the kind Docomo rep said about being careful and that she counldn't promise my cap, I will most likely try Ron's solution. I will cancel my Blackberry plan (it's just not as reliable as the service back home to be honest) And I will lower my call time plan as I really am not calling or using it as often as I had thought.

As for the Biz Hodai Double capping at 5700yen, I don't think it does, or it doesn't with the Blackberry plan at least. All we need is for Ron to explain what APN he is using with that, and also did he use a user name and password as well. Did he change other settings also? These questions need to be answered in order for others to get this going.

I've explained all that I could with test and trail runs. I hope it helped clear up things and help people get around that Docomo brick wall they have come to hit, but hopefully this forum will be loaded with solid and specific answers to getting the iPhone up and running.

Andy, I think that if a handful of Gaijin just walked in with unlocked iPhones in hand and demanded help, they'd just poo their pants, probably scramble to find an English speaking rep. I'm sure we'd see the sweat just drip off their foreheads. LOL
I can see them panic when I walk in by myself so I am sure it would have a huge effect if we all did.

I will try a few things more today as I haven't had much chance to mess around with it these past few days, I do however plan to get my Docomo plan changed this week. I already sent out my Blackberry messenger message to my contacts to inform them to start using my email to communicate with me as I plan to ditch the Blackberry here in Japan.

If anyone has more info, please share it. Specifics are needed IE:
APN type?
DNS or other code changes?
APN user name password if you used one or not?
IP address changes?
What Docomo data paln did you use?
What color/kind of Docomo sim are you using, FOMA or other type? yes this can possibly matter.
Did you activate Mopera U on your phone or not at all?

These are just some of the types of things needed please. The response of "I put my sim in my unlocked iPhone, and it works just fine" does not help one bit. We know it works, but how or what you did to get it to work is the real answer to share.

NINJA EDIT: FYI to all, the new Google Nexus One Phone just came out today I see. Sale with and without service. Unlocked and sim free for $529. Not bad and that phone looks nice. Expandable memory, and removable battery too. Looks pretty sweet. I just wonder if it will work here on Docomo.
OoooHHh NooooSss... the headaches, I can feel them already... so tempting though! Must refrain, must get iPhone working perfectly first. LOL

 

[kavik379]

Update

Bad news... It appears that instead of using the mpr.bizho.net APN, I have been using the mopera.net APN. The mopera.net APN works with/without username and password, but as VIP KING said, I don't believe it has a cap.

When I change the APN to mpr.bizho.net, it connects for a bit, then drops the connection. I can't get it to connect after that.

When I change the APN to mpr2.bizho.net, I get a "PDP authentication error."

 

[VIP KING]

Bad news... It appears that instead of using the mpr.bizho.net APN, I have been using the mopera.net APN. The mopera.net APN works with/without username and password, but as VIP KING said, I don't believe it has a cap.

When I change the APN to mpr.bizho.net, it connects for a bit, then drops the connection. I can't get it to connect after that.

When I change the APN to mpr2.bizho.net, I get a "PDP authentication error."

Kav, this is actually some good helpful info here believe it or not.
However lets narrow down some specifics.

First, the "PDP" error you get is related to an authentication error due to failure of authenticating a user name or password. (If you google PDP error, you can verify this).
Meaning to say that your user name or password can't authernticate onthe network. Either because it's wrong or a lack of using or having one.

So with that being said, are you using the user name or password when switching your APN's?
Also, did you take Andy's prior info and try to set the DNS or IP settings and or the MMC settings as well?

Good stuff here, keep it coming.

 

[AndyJapan]

UPDATE TO ALL:

So I had a Japanese co-worker (he has Docomo also) look at my bill online with me and he confirmed I got charged extra for the data I used for the TWO days on my iphone. It clearly shows that my Biz Ho data capped at 5700yen, but there was another data usage charge that showed a fee of 2349yen for approx 116xxx packets . He said it read additional data use.

Now keep in mind, my normal bill for the last few months has been 12900yen, this includes my Blackbery plan and call time service. However this last bill for December (make note, on Dec 30 and 31, I set up and messed with my iPhone) was 154XXyen. We did the math and that's exactly what it comes down to. For just TWO days of use at roughly 116XXX packets of data, I got charged 2349yen!! Crazy stuff.

Oops! This means that mopera.net as APN doesn't work as one incurs additional charges. That's what I was afraid of...

So here is the game plan... considering what the kind Docomo rep said about being careful and that she counldn't promise my cap, I will most likely try Ron's solution. I will cancel my Blackberry plan (it's just not as reliable as the service back home to be honest) And I will lower my call time plan as I really am not calling or using it as often as I had thought.

WAIT! Are you sure that you want to cancel your Blackberry plan? Question: Are you currently using the Blackberry plan AND Mopera U? If so, you can cancel your Blackberry plan. I am asking as you need either the Blackberry plan or Mopera U for Internet access.

http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/charge/discount/biz_hodai_w/index.html

"A subscription to mopera U (U Standard Plan: ¥500 [¥525 incl. tax]/month) , BlackBerry Internet Service (¥1,500 [¥1,575 incl. tax]/month) or other Biz-hodai compatible provider is required."

As for the Biz Hodai Double capping at 5700yen, I don't think it does, or it doesn't with the Blackberry plan at least. All we need is for Ron to explain what APN he is using with that, and also did he use a user name and password as well. Did he change other settings also? These questions need to be answered in order for others to get this going.

Correct. The APN settings could solve the problem. We also need to know on which plan (Pake-Hodai Double or Biz-Hodai Double) users are that have the 5,700Yen cap. Remember, Pake-Hodai Double, although an i-mode flat rate also allows so called 'Full browser mode' browsing. Not sure if this would be applicable for the iPhone.

I've explained all that I could with test and trail runs. I hope it helped clear up things and help people get around that Docomo brick wall they have come to hit, but hopefully this forum will be loaded with solid and specific answers to getting the iPhone up and running.

Andy, I think that if a handful of Gaijin just walked in with unlocked iPhones in hand and demanded help, they'd just poo their pants, probably scramble to find an English speaking rep. I'm sure we'd see the sweat just drip off their foreheads. LOL

I speak Japanese and could probably explain the problem in understandable Japanese. I don't expect the average DoCoMo rep to know how to set up an iPhone for use on their cell network, but their tech support should know how they identify phones on the network that are eligible for Biz-Hodai Double or Pake-Double Hodai. Question is whether they would disclose this information.
I was just wondering if they would rather shrug their shoulders and say 'we cannot help you' or at least make an effort to solve the problem.
It would be of course better if 5 Japanese walked into a store and asked for the solution of the problem.

I can see them panic when I walk in by myself so I am sure it would have a huge effect if we all did.

I will try a few things more today as I haven't had much chance to mess around with it these past few days, I do however plan to get my Docomo plan changed this week. I already sent out my Blackberry messenger message to my contacts to inform them to start using my email to communicate with me as I plan to ditch the Blackberry here in Japan.

If anyone has more info, please share it. Specifics are needed IE:
APN type?
DNS or other code changes?
APN user name password if you used one or not?
IP address changes?
What Docomo data plan did you use?
What color/kind of Docomo sim are you using, FOMA or other type? yes this can possibly matter.
Did you activate Mopera U on your phone or not at all?

These are just some of the types of things needed please. The response of "I put my sim in my unlocked iPhone, and it works just fine" does not help one bit. We know it works, but how or what you did to get it to work is the real answer to share.

NINJA EDIT: FYI to all, the new Google Nexus One Phone just came out today I see. Sale with and without service. Unlocked and sim free for $529. Not bad and that phone looks nice. Expandable memory, and removable battery too. Looks pretty sweet. I just wonder if it will work here on Docomo.
OoooHHh NooooSss... the headaches, I can feel them already... so tempting though! Must refrain, must get iPhone working perfectly first. LOL

I am rather considering E-Mobile's 'Pocket Wifi' in case the 'iPhone on DoCoMo network' problem cannot be solved. I would cancel my Biz-Hodai plan, purchase E-Mobile's Pocket Wifi and use it with my iPod touch and phone. Cheaper than Biz-Hodai and more versatile...

http://emobile.jp/products/hw/d25hw/

 

[VIP KING]

Docomo iPhone updates

UPDATE:

I was able to get my Mopera.net email address created and pushed to the iPhone along with my Yahoo email too. Using my original APN settings (Mopera.net) and original user name and password. I then changed at start.mopera.net, my user name and password to something I like. All went well with that even though I changed my user name password on start.mopera.net.
It's a bit odd though, because I still had original APN user/PW set still on the iPhone and I was still able to access internet and all without issue. IT never gave me an issue and made me change the APN user name and password on the iPhone. Strange, as you'd think if you changed it on the network, it would require change on the phone.

Now some new info…

Alright guys, good or bad this is what it boils down to.

I tried some new things/settings with APN so I’ll break it down:

Using APN mpr2.bizho.net tried to access internet

1.) With user name password I got a PDP error.
2.) Without user/PW I got, nothing at all, no internet, no error.
So I changed the user name and password, and I got the error “could not activate cellular data network”.

Using APN mpr.bizho.net tried to access internet

1.) Without user name and password I got nothing on the internet side, however I went to start.mopera.net and it took a long time to load. I then logged in, closed out and tried internet again, but nothing worked. So, yes, I was actually able to log into start.mopera.net but nothing else and connection was slow.

Using APN mopera.net tried to access internet

1.) Without user name password, and still no go on internet.
2.) With same APN mopera.net, I set my OLD user name/PW and no go at all either.
3.) With same APN mopera.net, I set my NEW user name/PW and BINGO it worked, and I might add the connection was even better then when I first set up my iPhone.

I even went to new websites to verify that I wasn’t just accessing pages that were cached, and it was rocket fast this time. I have no idea why, it is just faster!

Things to keep in mind, I was able to, using APN mopera.net and mpr.bizho.net, to access start.mopera.net. The last APN mpr.bizho.net being slow to connect though.

Bottom line, with my Blackberry Biz Hodai Double data plan, I get charged extra, and it only works with my APN being mopera.net and using my user name and password. Other APN’s do not work at all, tested and proven now.
I will however check my bill again to see if I am getting charged.

@ Andy: I can not change any of my other settings like IP or DNS as you had previously asked a while back. As of now, the Pake Hodai Double looks to be the one to use.

 

[AndyJapan]

UPDATE:

I was able to get my Mopera.net email address created and pushed to the iPhone along with my Yahoo email too. Using my original APN settings (Mopera.net) and original user name and password. I then changed at start.mopera.net, my user name and password to something I like. All went well with that even though I changed my user name password on start.mopera.net.
It's a bit odd though, because I still had original APN user/PW set still on the iPhone and I was still able to access internet and all without issue. IT never gave me an issue and made me change the APN user name and password on the iPhone. Strange, as you'd think if you changed it on the network, it would require change on the phone.

Now some new info…

Alright guys, good or bad this is what it boils down to.

I tried some new things/settings with APN so I’ll break it down:

Using APN mpr2.bizho.net tried to access internet

1.) With user name password I got a PDP error.
2.) Without user/PW I got, nothing at all, no internet, no error.
So I changed the user name and password, and I got the error “could not activate cellular data network”.

Using APN mpr.bizho.net tried to access internet

1.) Without user name and password I got nothing on the internet side, however I went to start.mopera.net and it took a long time to load. I then logged in, closed out and tried internet again, but nothing worked. So, yes, I was actually able to log into start.mopera.net but nothing else and connection was slow.

Using APN mopera.net tried to access internet

1.) Without user name password, and still no go on internet.
2.) With same APN mopera.net, I set my OLD user name/PW and no go at all either.
3.) With same APN mopera.net, I set my NEW user name/PW and BINGO it worked, and I might add the connection was even better then when I first set up my iPhone.

I even went to new websites to verify that I wasn’t just accessing pages that were cached, and it was rocket fast this time. I have no idea why, it is just faster!

Things to keep in mind, I was able to, using APN mopera.net and mpr.bizho.net, to access start.mopera.net. The last APN mpr.bizho.net being slow to connect though.

Bottom line, with my Blackberry Biz Hodai Double data plan, I get charged extra, and it only works with my APN being mopera.net and using my user name and password. Other APN’s do not work at all, tested and proven now.
I will however check my bill again to see if I am getting charged.

@ Andy: I can not change any of my other settings like IP or DNS as you had previously asked a while back. As of now, the Pake Hodai Double looks to be the one to use.

VIP KING, this is very useful info. Thanks a lot.
You could be right that Pake Hodai might be right plan. However, I am still wondering how DoCoMo is distinguishing phones that are allowed to connect through mpr2.bizho.net and phones that are rejected? I still think that it is very likely that DoCoMo is using IMEI numbers to separate 'good' and 'bad' phones.


What do you think about creating a questionnaire template that iPhone users should complete? See draft version hereafter. Please feel free to correct or add anything.


Do you use an iPhone on the DoCoMo network?
Yes.
If not, please specify phone model if it’s a smartphone: ___________
(Note: Standard DoCoMo phones are not of interest for this questionnaire)

What kind of DoCoMo SIM card are you using?
FOMA
MOVA
Other. Please specify:

What DoCoMo data plan do you use?
Pake-Hodai Double
Biz-Hodai Double
Other. Please specify: ____________

Does the data plan cap out at the rate stated in the contract?
Yes, it caps out at ________Yen.
No, it doesn’t cap out. Data traffic will be charged extra.

What Internet service do you use?
Mopera U Standard
Mopera U Light
BlackBerry Internet service
Other. Please specify: ____________

In case you use Mopera U, did you access the site ‘start.mopera.net’ for setting up Mopera U or verifying your username and password?
Yes.
No.

Please specify APN (Access Point Name) settings.
APN: (e.g. mpr2.bizho.net)
Proxy:
Port:
Username set? Y/N
Password set? Y/N
MNC:
MCC:
Please add any additional APN setting info that is not listed above.

Did you change any other settings that are not listed above? If so, please specify:


Remarks:

 

[discoltk]

Checking in

Hello all,

Greetings and kudos to all your efforts in trying to find a price capped unlimited data plan from docomo which can be configured to work with an unlocked phone (iphone or otherwise.) I moved to Japan in May (married to a Japanese national) and speak very little Japanese.

I have an iphone 3g and when I first moved here I read up on this and other forums, and discovered it was was unclear if it could be made to work for a reasonable price with docomo. Instead I went with Softbank. I purchased a $100 phone and got some package deal for a bit of discounted service, and got their unlimited data plan. This did not require any kind of contract, which was another goal.

It all works well, my bill is around ¥7000/mo (I'll get all the details if anyone is interested) and I get good service. I live between Tokyo and Yokohama, so other areas may have less quality service from Softbank. I used the native SpeedTest.net app and am able to get about 2mbit downsteam consistently. Much better than in San Francisco on At&t....

I can't help but rock the boat and cause myself trouble, and I impulse bought a Nexus One. Once it arrives (assuming I like it and don't sell it), I'll probably want to give my wife my iphone. She uses docomo, has for a long time, and it would be great if I could give her the iphone to use there.

Is it correct that there is still no solution identified for unlimited aside from paying ¥12000/mo to get tethering? I'm willing to lend my efforts in helping out if that is the case.

Thanks..

 

[AndyJapan]

[...]
Is it correct that there is still no solution identified for unlimited aside from paying ¥12000/mo to get tethering? I'm willing to lend my efforts in helping out if that is the case.
Thanks..

Welcome discoltk.

You are right, we have not yet solved the problem and cannot not (yet) provide a detailed description how to set up an iPhone to work with one of the DoCoMo data flat rates. Some folks claim that it works on their phone, but they do not disclose any details. So we cannot verify it and do not know which settings and data plans are necessary.
Any help is appreciated. Stay tuned and follow this thread.

 

[discoltk]

Is it possible it would cut off at the cap?

UPDATE TO ALL:

So I had a Japanese co-worker (he has Docomo also) look at my bill online with me and he confirmed I got charged extra for the data I used for the TWO days on my iphone. It clearly shows that my Biz Ho data capped at 5700yen, but there was another data usage charge that showed a fee of 2349yen for approx 116xxx packets . He said it read additional data use.

Is it possible if you kept using it until it cost ¥5700 they wouldn't charge more for the 'additional' data use? I know its a bit of an expensive 'test', unless you could persuade them to comp you should you accidentally go over.

This link is the Softbank plan I use, and you can see from the chart that you might be charged a lot for not so many packets before it cuts off at ¥5985.

http://mb.softbank.jp/en/price_plans/packet_full.html

I've been able to get English speaking billing support people on the phone at Softbank when I had an issue with how my bank account was being debited. I wonder if enough luck and persistence you might be able to find someone who could explain your bill to you on the phone, and confirm that your AP settings are right?

I also experienced reluctance from all the cell companies I talked to when I mentioned I had an unlocked iphone, so maybe if you just lie and say you have a different smart phone they'll be more forthcoming. Play a bit dumb about what model phone you have, and just say something like "The phone says to enter an APN", etc...

 

[AndyJapan]

Is it possible if you kept using it until it cost ¥5700 they wouldn't charge more for the 'additional' data use? I know its a bit of an expensive 'test', unless you could persuade them to comp you should you accidentally go over.

Problem is that data traffic with an iPhone will not fall under the flat rate. This means you will always pay extra even if you haven't reached the cap. That's the painful experience VIP KING made by using the mopera.net APN.

I use a Docomo HT-03A (HTC Magic) and can use the correct APN (mpr2.bizho.net) so that the 5,700Yen cap applies. However, for some reason VIP KING cannot use this APN with his phone. We do not yet know why.

[...] I wonder if enough luck and persistence you might be able to find someone who could explain your bill to you on the phone, and confirm that your AP settings are right?

I also experienced reluctance from all the cell companies I talked to when I mentioned I had an unlocked iphone, so maybe if you just lie and say you have a different smart phone they'll be more forthcoming. Play a bit dumb about what model phone you have, and just say something like "The phone says to enter an APN", etc...

You can try, but I assume that they will tell you that you cannot use any other phone than a DoCoMo phone. That's what several DoCoMo shop reps told me. English Tech Support? Not sure if DoCoMo offers it. I doubt it.

 

[discoltk]

I use a Docomo HT-03A (HTC Magic) and can use the correct APN (mpr2.bizho.net) so that the 5,700Yen cap applies. However, for some reason VIP KING cannot use this APN with his phone. We do not yet know why.

Have you tried your sim in an iphone? Sorry, I read through all these posts but I didn't really keep track of who the posters were as I skimmed the info...

 

[VIP KING]

UPDATE:


I checked my bill again this morning, and just for the limited time yesterday trying out the different APN settings, my data usage was １７９９４ packets, and I got charged 1440yen.

At this point, I am 100% sure my iPhone is being recognized as PC tethering of some sort. My current Blackberry data shows at ９２８３ packets with a charge so far of 742yen, as you can guess I am under my 5700yen rate at this point.

With this being said, here is what I think Docomo is doing on my plan, or those that have a Blackberry plan. The APN doesn't matter with the Blackberry as I never was given one to use or set up. Keep in mind my BB Bold was unlocked and from AT&T (even when we bought a Bold from Docomo for my wife, there where no settings for APN, I searched and still didn't see anything at all, on both our phones).
What I am getting at is... Docomo already has the Blackberry set on their network as it is, no APN is needed, and the IMEI number I don't beleive has anything to do with it, because both my Bold "AT&T" and my current Storm 'Verizon" work just fine on their network and I am certain that they do not have my IMEI number on record in any way shape or form. I believe it's simply just how the Blackberrys work that keep them within their network and under the data cap rates.

Now, because my Blackberry is already authorized on the Docomo networks, introducing my iPhone on my "SPECIFIC" Blackberry Biz Hodai Plan is a whole different ball game, because I strongly believe it's be seen as an outside PC device of some sort.

Question is, if you had just a regular, non-Blackberry Biz Hodai/double Hodai plan would the iPhone work and cap out? It very well may even more so if you just bought a regular smart phone or even a standard Docomo phone and asked to be signed up for a Biz Hodai Plan, you may never get charged more then the cap rate because the Iphone will be seen as just another smart phone. I seriously don't think Docomo controls IMEI numbers.

I will attempt to make contact with the English speaking rep at the Docomo shop, she was cool enough to give me no static, and I will inquire about my plan changes and what not. I seriously think my brick wall at this point is my specific Blackberry plan. I don't think it matters what APN I use, my iPhone is an outside device of my data plan. As for using the Bizho APN, I think it may be something specific to a model of the "Docomo" phone/smart phones.

Reason for this... when I asked the rep the first time about what APN to use, she was more than happy to help me, she asked what phone I have, did I have it there with me now and she was willing to set it up with the correct APN, she assumed it was already a Docomo phone as she started listing off a few models trying to assume what I already had. After I told her it was an iPhone, she advised me she didn't know which APN to use for that, and to be careful of data use. This tells me that they must have a list of APN's that go hand in hand with their "Docomo" phones.

Now, if we could just get others to share what APN they are using according to their specific iPhone, Sim card type, and Data plan, we could narrow down a solution in no time. I still don't understand how those that say it's working and have a cap rate simply either forget or refuse to contribute the required information for others to use.
It simply blows my mind!!

@Andy, the form you set up looks good. The question about using start.mopera.net to get it going I think should also have a question of what APN they used to access this. So if they answer yes, then what APN did they set, and did they use a user name and password.

EXAMPLE:
In case you use Mopera U, did you access the site ‘start.mopera.net’ for setting up Mopera U or verifying your username and password?
Yes.
No
IF YES: what APN was used, did you use a user name and password as well?

Discoltk is right Andy, try to get your hands on an unlocked iPhone so you can use your sim and use the "mpr" APN and see if it works.

 

[discoltk]

I seriously don't think Docomo controls IMEI numbers.

This was also instinctively my viewpoint on that. Tracking IMEI would be way too much work for their support when the users who fall into their normal use cases switch to other docomo phones. There would always be those customers and shops which forgot to re-register it, and people calling in complaining, etc.

My understanding is that RIM devices do have some special network quirks in how they operate, and what you've surmised about that plan being the reason your access rates are different is logical.

My wife has a friend who apparently has docomo AND softbank just so he can use an iphone. He's not tech savvy and didn't know about alternative ways to acquire and jailbreak one. He may have some incentive to do that as he is paying for two plans now, and I believe he has unlimited data on docomo. I'll try to get together with him and see what we can find out about his current docomo data plan, apn, and see if I can get it working with my unlocked iphone.

Best of luck with the English speaking manager at the shop!

 

[VIP KING]

This was also instinctively my viewpoint on that. Tracking IMEI would be way too much work for their support when the users who fall into their normal use cases switch to other docomo phones. There would always be those customers and shops which forgot to re-register it, and people calling in complaining, etc.

My understanding is that RIM devices do have some special network quirks in how they operate, and what you've surmised about that plan being the reason your access rates are different is logical.

My wife has a friend who apparently has docomo AND softbank just so he can use an iphone. He's not tech savvy and didn't know about alternative ways to acquire and jailbreak one. He may have some incentive to do that as he is paying for two plans now, and I believe he has unlimited data on docomo. I'll try to get together with him and see what we can find out about his current docomo data plan, apn, and see if I can get it working with my unlocked iphone.

Best of luck with the English speaking manager at the shop!

Right! RIM devices are specific to networks. I used to tech support them and they are literally in a world of their own, which is where I get my conclusion.

IMEI numbers are way to difficult to control and keep track of, I highly doubt that's what they control. Their (Docomo) phones are identified by model numbers or another form of identifier, if they even care to be honest. You have to remember now, the iPhone is literally a mini handheld computer, with a phone built into it, it uses data at a much higher rate then the norm. Where as, other smart phones, are exactly that, a phone with internet abilities in it that do not suck up bandwidth or data usage on the network at nearly the rate an iPhone is designed to do.
In addition, the use of global phones of various kinds, I am certain exists even in the hands of Japanese Docomo users as well, that Docomo doesn't sell at all.

We also have to keep in mind, that PC tethering sucks up data usage at a much higher rate as well. Which is why I say, an iPhone used on a Blackberry smart phone plan can and probably is being seen as PC tethering. In all honesty, I don't even think they see the iPhone, I think that in my case, they simply see that I have "connected" my Blackberry to a PC and I am sucking up data useage way outside my bounds.

Now, if I were to have just an unlimited data plan IE: Pake Hodia Double using any one of their smart phones or regular phones, and started using my iPhone, that would simply be seen, no matter the amount of data used for the month, as me just using the internet all the time. I say this because, they would have no idea or a way to recognize my device. How? How could they manage to know what device I am using. See what I mean?

In my opionion, now that I understand a little more, I am simply using my phone to tether to a PC in Docomos eyes. I basically need to trick them into only seeing my device as being used a lot on the internet, not that I am tethering it to a PC. Bottom line, sign up for a unlimited plan with just a standard or regular non-Blackberry smart smart phone service. Heck, even just using my Blackberry as a normal phone with unlimited data plan would be the trick. It's getting rid of the Blackberry data plan that would cure the issue. Just as Ron stated, he told them he had a Blackberry but he signed up for a normal unlimited data plan, not a Blackberry data plan which is specific in everyway. Hope that kind of makes sense.

Ron, we need the specifics of your APN settings please!

If you could get your buddies iPhone unlocked, and he has Mopera U standard, you may very well get him up and running. Use www.mydocomo.com to help him monitor his bill. Literally it updates within a 24 hour period of time. Have him or you look at his bill before the iPhone, and then after the iPhone paying specific attention to the data plan usage and charges. With mine, you can see two seperate lines. One is set for cap at 5700 (which you will always meet that limit, that's how the make money) and the other will be listed as additional data usage. All in Japanese of course, but pretty easy to navigate and understand.

The rep I dealt with was cool and understanding. I just hope she is there when I go. She had a baby in the making and looked like she was ready to pop when I last saw her, so I hope that she isn't gone yet.

 

[AndyJapan]

IMEI filtering?

@discoltk: I don't have an unlocked iPhone at hand into which I could insert my DoCoMo SIM card. The iPhones of friends are all locked and wouldn't work anyway.


The reason why I am still bringing up the theory that DoCoMo is checking IMEIs, is that I found a DoCoMo technical document (in Japanese) that talks about IMEI and IMEI-DB etc. The technical document is not talking about locking out 'foreign phones' though. I have to take a closer look at it to see whether we can learn anything from it. Here is the link:
http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/binary/p...d/tech/main/network_terminal/vol16_1_36jp.pdf

Moreover, I found a comment on an Android-related website that said that DoCoMo is using IMEI filtering for the mpr2.bizho.net APN. See below:
http://my.opera.com/wiz/blog/2009/06/16/how-to-install-japanese-ime-on-android

Quote: "Docomo uses IMEI filtering with the mpr2.bizho.net APN, so only HTC Magic devices sold by docomo can be used with mopera. There is no "patch" like the connection manager on Windows Mobile based HTC devices for use with mpr.bizho.net, but it probably wouldn't be too difficult to reverse engineer it and write an app for Android to do the same thing... be my guest."

Please don't get me wrong. I don't say that this is the solution of the problem, but at this stage we cannot rule it out as we don't have hard evidence for or against it.

Keep the info coming...

 

[discoltk]

Quote: "Docomo uses IMEI filtering with the mpr2.bizho.net APN, so only HTC Magic devices sold by docomo can be used with mopera. There is no "patch" like the connection manager on Windows Mobile based HTC devices for use with mpr.bizho.net, but it probably wouldn't be too difficult to reverse engineer it and write an app for Android to do the same thing... be my guest."

Ouch, if that really is the case I'd kind of say to hell with them and go with a provider that doesn't really care what phone I use. I can deal with sales person ignorance and them positioning the devices they make a profit on to be the path of least resistance for most customers, but actively disallowing other devices is decidedly hostile behavior.

I had gotten really fed up with the situation in the US with the elimination of most or all options to get service without a contract. I'm glad to see that AT&T and Apple's collusion with the iphone has led to Tmobile offering contract free options (albeit too late for me). I was really disappointed to discover that Japan with its reputation for advanced mobile telephony is even more closed to customer choice than the US.

@AndyJapan: are you in the Tokyo area? I've got a decent amount of free time if you want to meet some at a coffee shop and try your sim with my phone. Otherwise I'll let you know once I'm able to sync up with my wife's friend.

My android device is on the way, hopefully there are no problems getting that going on my Softbank sim. It has UMTS band 1 support so it should work, but without being able to find any confirmation I'm still a little anxious!

 

[AndyJapan]

[...] I was really disappointed to discover that Japan with its reputation for advanced mobile telephony is even more closed to customer choice than the US.

Well, Japanese providers are certainly more restrictive and lock in customers. Number portability changed it a little bit, but then they raised the prices for handsets to make it very expensive to change providers. If you ask me, they are ripping off customers.

@AndyJapan: are you in the Tokyo area? I've got a decent amount of free time if you want to meet some at a coffee shop and try your sim with my phone. Otherwise I'll let you know once I'm able to sync up with my wife's friend.

I live in Tokyo, but have limited time and would only be available on weekends. FYI, VIP KING is using a SIM card that he used in a Blackberry before. There shouldn't be any difference between my and his SIM card.

My android device is on the way, hopefully there are no problems getting that going on my Softbank sim. It has UMTS band 1 support so it should work, but without being able to find any confirmation I'm still a little anxious!

Not sure about Softbank, but they are supposedly also doing some kind of filtering as users reported that unlocked iPhones being used on the Softbank network didn't fall under the flat rate so that users incurred additional charges (as VIP KING). Be careful.

 

[discoltk]

Not sure about Softbank, but they are supposedly also doing some kind of filtering as users reported that unlocked iPhones being used on the Softbank network didn't fall under the flat rate so that users incurred additional charges (as VIP KING). Be careful.

I've had this working since May, no additional charges. The important thing was to get the "Packet Flat-rate Full" plan and not the "Unlimited Packet Discount."

The only catch was I couldn't get them to sell me service without buying a phone, so I got the cheapest one for about ¥10000.

 

[VIP KING]

This is all very good info, however odd with regards to the iPhone and Softbank.

Here are my thoughts: I believe the cell providers for the most part track phones not by IMEI, but by SIM card. There is more data on these then you might imagine to be honest, and your Sim could very well dictate your service, well, I'm certain it does. Your sim is a clients/customers identifier to the network, it's how they charge you for phone cell use, and data traffic use.

I say this because of a conversation I had with a English speaking Softbank rep. He stated; after I asked him about using my unlocked iPhone, that I should not do that as many other users in my shoes were charged an incredible amount of money on their monthly bills. He stated that the reason is the users thought they would be sly, bought a regular Softbank phone and then inserted this into the iPhone, at which point because of the high amount of data used, it charged them for a PC style tethering rate. The key was as he mentioned was that they were using a non iPhone SIM CARD. That leads me to believe that Softbank has specific iPhone sim cards to identify them as iPhone users. And at Softbank, they will not sell you just an iPhone sim and plan, you HAVE to buy their phone. Unlocking and using your phone later, they can't detect it's unlocked any way and they could careless about that he said.

It's that they don't make money hand over fist selling just an iPhone service, instead they rip customers off by selling the phone at an incredible profit broken down over a 2 year contract. His words, not mine. He was very honest about that. He even said, look at the rest of the iPhone networks worldwide, the USA for example, you can get a iPhone for a couple hundred dollars with a two year contract, here you pay full price for the phone regardless of contract or not, it's ridiculous and a rip off. Of course Softbank doesn't want every Japanese or others to buy it cheaper elsewhere, then just use it on their network, they'd lose money. His words again. And that my friends is an eye opener. Another reason I don't like Softy and their signals suck!


My bases for this is, they couldn't possibly know it was a USA unlocked or otherwise unlocked iPhone by IMEI, as that would mean they would have to have every IMEI number ever produced from the past and present in a database that they can match against their own IMEI distributed iPhones in Japan. Simply put, ridiculous and not possible.

Now with Disco's situation, you may have actually found a loophole in the system, and this is what we Docomo users are trying to do also. But keep in mind, it may be a matter of time before they figure out what's really going on with Disco's data usage. Then again, maybe never know or care.

As with Andy, that info you provided with regards to IMEI tracking is interesting and possible, but I still don't think likely. Your HTC IMEI, may be specific as my Blackberry on their network. Possibly because the HTC doesn't really have a specific identifier for them to use and all RIM products do, hence the reason RIM has their own internal Instant Messaging system "Blackberry Messenger", that cell networks worldwide have absolutely ZERO control of (because you already pay for the unlimited Blackberry data plan), therefore leaving cell networks unable to charge you for text or SMS messages, which I know chaps their a$$ in every way. LOL
Because I can tell you this, I will dearly miss my ability to BB message my friends back in the states for no cost at all.
So with Andy, your HTC is most likely tracked on the network with IMEI (maybe) as mine is tracked with it's specific RIM identifier, we call it a PIN code/number which is also tied to your specific BB email address, which is how other BB users can set you up in their BB IM buddy list.

If you can pause for a moment and remember back to the days when you bought a phone (before Sim cards) they recorded and used your IMEI number to activate you on the network (I think non Sim networks still do some how, maybe not these days I don't know for sure) but when things switched to global phones and GSM with sim cards, those IMEI number days went away. Now it's like plug and play these days, pop the sim in and go. That simple.
Why, because your account info is on that card and it's matched against a database on a cell network as being a legitimate customer, the phone they could careless about, it's who can they charge for the service, not the type of phone you use.

In any case, I have an appointment with the Docomo rep for Monday, I will see what I can get out of her. She was cool when I called her to set up a time for her to help me. I can't wait.

Stay tuned, we'll see.

 

[AndyJapan]

Brief update:

I went again to my 'friends' at the DoCoMo shop and asked the following question:

Q: Would it be possible to use two different DoCoMo phones (my current HT-03A and my wife's old phone) with my current SIM card by swapping the card between the phones?

Answer: Yes, this is basically possible for voice calls.

Q: Well, I am using Biz-Hodai Double with my phone (HT-03A). Could the 2nd phone be also used under Biz-Hodai Double?

Answer: No, this is not possible. Biz-Hodai can only be used with your HT-03A.

O.K., this means that DoCoMo is somehow limiting Biz-Hodai Double to one dedicated phone. In other words, Biz-Hodai Double would not apply for the second phone even if it was a DoCoMo phone. That explains why an iPhone doesn't work with Biz-Hodai APN. Very strange and not customer-friendly. I don't understand why they do that because they wouldn't lose any money.

I will not give up and will go to a DoCoMo shop again and then ask whether it would be possible to switch to a different phone even if it was a Non-DoCoMo phone. I know that the answer will be most probably No, but I will dig a little bit deeper and ask why this wouldn't be possible.
I will also investigate a little bit more on E-Mobile's Pocket Wifi as I am serioulsy considering to buy one and use with my phone and iPod touch if not limtations would apply. Coverage is of course worse than DoCoMo.

 

[AndyJapan]

[...]

I say this because of a conversation I had with a English speaking Softbank rep. He stated; after I asked him about using my unlocked iPhone, that I should not do that as many other users in my shoes were charged an incredible amount of money on their monthly bills. He stated that the reason is the users thought they would be sly, bought a regular Softbank phone and then inserted this into the iPhone, at which point because of the high amount of data used, it charged them for a PC style tethering rate. The key was as he mentioned was that they were using a non iPhone SIM CARD. That leads me to believe that Softbank has specific iPhone sim cards to identify them as iPhone users. And at Softbank, they will not sell you just an iPhone sim and plan, you HAVE to buy their phone. Unlocking and using your phone later, they can't detect it's unlocked any way and they could careless about that he said.

It's that they don't make money hand over fist selling just an iPhone service, instead they rip customers off by selling the phone at an incredible profit broken down over a 2 year contract. His words, not mine. He was very honest about that. He even said, look at the rest of the iPhone networks worldwide, the USA for example, you can get a iPhone for a couple hundred dollars with a two year contract, here you pay full price for the phone regardless of contract or not, it's ridiculous and a rip off. Of course Softbank doesn't want every Japanese or others to buy it cheaper elsewhere, then just use it on their network, they'd lose money. His words again. And that my friends is an eye opener. Another reason I don't like Softy and their signals suck!

Great post, VIP KING.
FYI, some time ago I gave Apple some feedback on their website. Title of my message was "Why I don't buy an iPhone in Japan". I told them that locking in customers forever (as Softbank will never ever unlock the iPhone) is a dealbreaker for me as I am not ready to shell out serious money even if it's paid over 2 years to get a provider-locked phone.
Well, I know that Apple couldn't care less about my opinion as many folks are buying the Softbank iPhone. Japanese users anyway don't care that the phone is locked and we -who want to use an unlocked iPhone- are a minority among foreigners in Japan.

I will still try to find out how to solve this problem, but as mentioned in my previous post the Pocket-Wifi solution could be a solution for me.
VIP KING, I am curious about the outcome of your conversation with the DoCoMo rep. You are lucky that you found such an open-minded DoCoMo rep who speaks English. Would be great if she helped you and the community who is eagerly waiting to use iPhones on the DoCoMo network - legally.

 

[Espionage32]

Keep up the good work guys. You guys will figure it out soon.

 

[discoltk]

Now with Disco's situation, you may have actually found a loophole in the system, and this is what we Docomo users are trying to do also. But keep in mind, it may be a matter of time before they figure out what's really going on with Disco's data usage. Then again, maybe never know or care.

I don't think its really a loophole so much, just that I'm getting what I'm paying for (unlimited data service at a capped flat rate price). They do of course want you to buy a phone from them, whether its the Y10000 one or the iphone or whatever smart phone. I don't think I'm falling through the cracks or anything of the sort. With a US provider it would be the same story, they try and tell you other phones won't work, but in reality if you buy the right plan and set up the APN settings correctly, it may as well be their company's store bought phone.

Now, Docomo may very well have gone to some lengths to make that work differently. One thing I've definitely come to believe is that you will NOT necessarily get the accurate story on this from any of the reps you talk to, largely because they only have limited information themselves, have incorrect assumptions, and have a motive to direct you towards buying new devices from them only.

@AndyJapan I think they'll definitely say devices from other carriers won't work. In some cases thats true since they're locked. Grey market phones are never popular with cell store people. I suggest asking "If I own two docomo smart phones, and one gets lost or destroyed, how do I transfer the settings to my other phone". Even if they are tracking IMEI, there must be a way to re-register.

Personally I've been happy with my choice of going Softbank. I don't really have any service coverage issues (compared to the US its awesome). My only interest at this point is for my wife, as she really wants to keep her carrier for a number of reasons, and of course the academic effort of solving the technical problem.

I may just sell my iphone instead of giving it to her also as I'm not entirely convinced she'd prefer it over a proper docomo handset. She uses my gen 1 ipod touch a lot and for that reason she'd probably like it, but unless she was able to use her docomo imode mail stuff it may not work for her use case regardless. If so I'll have a 3g iphone for sale if anyone is interested!

 

[AndyJapan]

[...]
@AndyJapan I think they'll definitely say devices from other carriers won't work. In some cases thats true since they're locked. Grey market phones are never popular with cell store people. I suggest asking "If I own two docomo smart phones, and one gets lost or destroyed, how do I transfer the settings to my other phone". Even if they are tracking IMEI, there must be a way to re-register.

O.K., I went again to a Docomo shop and asked the following questions:

Would it be possible to insert my SIM card into another smartphone and use Biz-Hodai double? I didn't specify which smartphone this would be and asked whether there are any 'special procedures' necessary to do this. (Remark: By asking for 'special procedures' I wanted to find out if one would have to register the phone in their system.)

The rep said that it's basically possible to use another smartphone, but remarked that I would need a different plan if it was a Blackberry. BTW, she also said that Mopera U is always needed for a smartphone. I said that it was not a Blackberry and then she asked which phone I would like to use. I then told her that it would an unlocked iPhone from overseas. I then got the standard answer that they cannot guarantee anything since this is not a DoCoMo phone.
I then told her that friends already tried to use an iPhone with Biz-Hodai Double and got charged for the data traffic. She then called Support and asked whether an overseas iPhone could be used with Biz-Hodai Double. They also told her that they guarantee anything as one would have to try it out. However, it wouldn't be unusual if one gets charged for data traffic.

Well, this info doesn't help us as we heard this several times.
I hope that VIP KING will be able to get some info. VIP KING, could you ask the rep why you cannot use the APN mpr2.bizho.net with your iPhone. I am sure that she cannot answer that, but she might be able to check with Tech Support.

The next time I go to a Docomo shop or call Support, I will be more specific and mention APN settings etc.


Update: I just called Docomo Smartphone Support. 0120-045-360 They have English Support!
I told the rep that I am currently using a HT-03A and would like to switch to a legally unlocked iPhone from overseas. I explained her all the details that the APN that I am using with my HT-03A cannot be used with an iPhone - for whatever reason. I also told her that I think that phones are somehow registered in their system and in case this would be true, I would like to know whether an iPhone could be registered so that Biz Hodai Double can be used. She then doublechecked with Tech Support or whomever and came back with the standard answer (Eff you!) that they cannot tell anything about Non-DoCoMo phones and how to set them up. I told her then that I don't expect a guarantee or whatever, just some advice as I think that it's just a setting issue. Well, she politely said that she is sorry that she cannot help with this issue.

My next step will be to contact a Japanese friend who works for NTT and ask him whether he has any contacts in NTT Docomo. We need some insider information to solve this problem as DoCoMo reps are like a brick wall...

 

[Espionage32]

Thats so lame! You would think that they would not care and would want to take care of a paying customer. Someone will get the information soon enough.