Wired
Finally, this year too, the iPhone 12/12 Pro was released, the iPhone 12 mini / 12 Pro Max was released, and four new iPhone models for 2020 are available. The feature of this year’s iPhone is that all four models support “5G” communication. However, of course, you will not be able to enjoy 5G communication unless you make a contract with a carrier that supports “5G” communication. So I bought a SIM-free iPhone 12 mini and decided to sign a 5G contract.
5G contracts are required for all three major carriers
NTT DoCoMo, au, and Softbank provide 5G communication, but you need to change your contract to 5G or subscribe to a 5G compatible plan to use it. Therefore, the author who has a contract with Softbank went to the Softbank shop to change the contract from “4G to 5G”.
Can I change my contract online?
As described in this article, SoftBank currently allows you to purchase only “SIM cards” from the online shop for new contracts, model changes, and transfer (MNP).
Therefore, the author’s family (Softbank contract) who had previously obtained the SIM-free iPhone 12 tried to change the model from the online shop. Then, an error was displayed and the model could not be changed (contract change). Apparently, changing the contract from “4G to 5G” does not change the SIM card, so it seems that the means of purchasing a new SIM cannot be used.
I asked Softbank
When I asked Softbank, first of all, “A 5G contract is required to use 5G”, and it is necessary to go to the shop to change the SIM card used for SIM-free iPhone from “4G to 5G” There is. “
At first glance, it seems natural that “a 5G contract is required to use 5G”, but even if you replace the SIM card (4G contract) you have been using with the SIM-free iPhone 12, there is no problem. It is designed so that it can be used (for SoftBank SIM cards). On the contrary, even “5G setting items” are displayed.
Of course, only 4G communication can be used in this state, but some people mistakenly think that 5G communication is possible just by changing the model to a 5G compatible iPhone.
To avoid misunderstanding, this is a story when purchasing a SIM-free iPhone, and when purchasing an iPhone from Softbank, the “5G basic charge” is automatically applied by subscribing to the applicable rate plan. So you don’t have to worry about this.
Make a reservation to visit the shop
After that, I booked a visit to the SoftBank shop during the time after purchasing the SIM-free iPhone 12 mini. Due to the influence of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it is assumed that the shop will come to the store after making a reservation.
Smooth contract changes after coming to the store
After coming to the store, I was guided to the seat as soon as I told them that I had made a reservation. After that, I was able to confirm the contract details and explain the precautions on the tablet, and immediately change the contract to 5G. It actually took about 20 minutes per person (it actually took a little longer to finish for everyone because I came to the store with my family).
The response at the shop was smooth and the staying time was relatively short, so it didn’t bother me so much, but it seems that some carriers can switch from 4G to 5G just by calling. I would like to expect future online support.
Reference information: Softbank
Photo: Irasutoya
(Naoma Fujita)
I want to read together iPhone 12 series related special feature
Source: iPhone Mania