Signing up for wireless Internet in Japan

[Tom]

I have arrived in Japan! Finally!

I would like Internet access in my dorm room, but to have wired Internet installed would take several weeks. I was told that it would take less time to apply for wireless Internet service (over the cell networks, I believe). Which companies provide this service? I don't know how to look yet.

I have a Japanese tutor who could help me apply once I know where. I am in Fukuoka, Kyushu.

[Bueller_007]

I would like Internet access in my dorm room, but to have wired Internet installed would take several weeks. I was told that it would take less time to apply for wireless Internet service (over the cell networks, I believe). Which companies provide this service? I don't know how to look yet.

I've never heard of this, but I'm sure if it exists, you'd need to buy/rent a special card for your computer, and it would cost you a FORTUNE in packet charges, and the speed would be pretty crappy. I can do it by "dialing-up" through my cell phone and firing the internet connection over to my computer by Bluetooth, but I've never done it because the packet charges would put me in the poor house.

Yahoo BB and other normal broadband providers take about 3-6 weeks to get connected.

[Jason]

If you're there for a while, wait the few weeks to get a wired connection installed. Like Bueller already said, If they're talking about wireless internet through the cell phone network, they'll charge per packet and the speed's going to be bleh compared to a "proper" broadband connection.

In the meantime, if you have a laptop scrounge around and see if there may be some free WiFI hotspots around.

[Bueller_007]

In the meantime, if you have a laptop scrounge around and see if there may be some free WiFI hotspots around.

Good point.

Most, if not all, Seattle's Best Coffee outlets in Japan have free Wi-Fi access.

[annie]

I used someone else's wireless network for a whole year while I was living in Chiba.

If any of your neighbors have internet access already, see if you can set up a wireless network with them. (saving you all money)

Otherwise, wait the month. It sucks, but that's the way it works here.

[Tom]

Thanks for the advice! I spent a week looking for alternatives, but my neighbors aren't keen on sharing. I think I will sign up for the wired Internet. Oh well.

[untmdsprt]

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