#Japan #Tokyo #mobile networks #ITSUKI #Smartphone Users

Overview of Network Quality Dissatisfaction in Japan

Recent research conducted by ITSUKI, a company based in Tokyo, reveals alarming statistics regarding smartphone users in Japan. The study, which surveyed individuals aged 20 to 50 who have their own smartphone contracts, indicates that nearly 40% of respondents express dissatisfaction with the quality of their network. This dissatisfaction comes in the context of rapidly evolving telecommunications infrastructure in Japan, with initiatives like the Beyond 5G strategy aiming to enhance connectivity across the nation.

The Landscape of 5G in Japan

Launched in 2020, the Beyond 5G initiative represents a significant investment by the Japanese government to bolster telecommunications infrastructure. As of now, the 5G population coverage has exceeded 98%, which is a remarkable feat. However, despite these advancements, the actual user experience still falls short for a significant portion of the population, especially concerning data transmission quality and pricing plans.

With the growing demands for high-speed internet due to remote work and video streaming, users' expectations have heightened. As a result, ITSUKI decided to investigate the actual usage, satisfaction levels, and network quality perceived by smartphone users.

Key Findings from the Survey

Here are some highlights from the study, which was conducted between July 1 and July 3, 2025, with a sample size of 1,101 respondents:

1. Leading Mobile Carriers: The top three mobile carriers used by respondents were docomo (28.4%), au (18.3%), and Rakuten Mobile (13.9%). It's clear that docomo holds the majority amongst smartphone users.

2. Monthly Data Plans: For current pricing plans regarding monthly data capacity, 40.7% of respondents are on a plan of 3GB, while 19.1% utilize plans of 100GB or more, and 11.9% have a 10GB plan.

3. Actual Data Usage: Surprisingly, the actual data usage indicates that 46.9% of users utilize up to 3GB per month, with only a small percentage exceeding 100GB - highlighting a disconnect between their subscribed data limits and actual usage.

4. Network Quality Satisfaction: Disturbingly, around 40% of users expressed dissatisfaction with their current network's quality, with many stating slower speeds, especially in crowded places like stations and subways.

5. Addressing Network Issues: To address dissatisfaction, users predominantly resort to finding public Wi-Fi or modifying their data plans, although 81.3% stated they had not taken any specific action.

Understanding User Dissatisfaction

The survey revealed that although users are technically equipped with the latest technology through their smartphone contracts, their actual day-to-day experience leaves much to be desired. Users experience slow performance and disconnections especially in high-traffic scenarios, which amplifies frustration.

Solutions and Recommendations

In light of these findings, it's important to discuss solutions that might alleviate these problems. ITSUKI's response to the challenges faced by smartphone users is its innovative Cloud Wi-Fi service. This service intelligently selects the best signal from major carriers, ensuring users remain connected even in areas where one carrier's service may falter. This system can provide an effective workaround for those frequently experiencing network issues.

Conclusion

The findings of ITSUKI's survey paint a clear picture of a crucial gap between expectations and reality for smartphone users in Japan. With significant dissatisfaction regarding network quality, it is imperative that both service providers and users explore available options to enhance their connectivity experiences. As more individuals rely heavily on their smartphones for daily tasks, the demand for reliable and fast internet will only continue to grow.

For more information about ITSUKI and their services, including Cloud Wi-Fi and other telecommunications solutions, you can visit their website at ITSUKI's Official Site.

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