Job Discussion Forums

[Mahik]

I was just wondering what residents of the Osaka/Kansai area would recommend in terms of internet access. Are there good providers that provide reasonable rates (while also considering the NTT rates)? Is it better to have internet installed or just utilize an internet cafe? I have a laptop I plan to bring which can utilize wireless and have been looking for a few sites but not many seem to have websites and half of those I can't understand. Recommendations?

[Mahik]

Aw c'mon, I know there must be members from the Kansai area here. Does everyone just not know? Or is there some rule against posting about internet I'm not aware about? I checked the FAQ and it said to ask on the forums since rates are changing all the time.

[humancartography]

I'm assuming that you can't read/speak Japanese very well. If that's the case, go to Yodobashi Camera near JR Osaka station. Inside, you'll find reps for various internet providers (some of whom can speak English). I chose KDDI because they have English-speaking support staff. Although, I'm pretty sure that there are other companies that offer English support as well.

Good luck!

[Wintermute]

You have two choices if you want to set up an internet connection - ADSL or cable. However, your choice depends on where you live and the apartment you live in (compatibility issues). If you decide to go with ADSL you need to apply to NTT first to get a connection which can be easily done through this site: http://www.bricks.co.jp/e-adsl/e-nttadsl.html
This is for English speakers and the lady who operates the site is representative of NTT and speaks English perfectly. She will be able to tell you whether or not your apartment is compatible with ADSL. NTT usually charges about 5000yen for your connection. If you get the green light then finding an ISP is not so difficult. However, the only one I found that charges monthly (not by credit card), has an English site and staff and is relatively cheap is http://www.gol.com/en/biz/index.html
They charge about 1200yen per month for internet access.

If you decide to go the cable route I have heard that providers such as Dion (KDDI), Usen, EO Hikari and JComm are good providers and are usually 1000yen cheaper than ADSL. However, with the exception of JComm, all are basically Japanese only. I personally prefer ADSL because I had cable before at LeoPalace and I hated sharing my connection with other people (wild fluctuations in speed and an admin who hated me downloading torrents). ADSL is essentially slower than cable but its your connection only.

You're only other option is to buy a wireless adapter and steal someones signal in your building. If you don't download torrents no one will notice.