Will packet flat rate plans disappear even in Japan? I contacted KDDI

America's largest mobile phone company"Verizon Wireless" has abolished the packet flat rate plan from this month and switched to pay-per-use billingMade a big impact mainly on smartphone users who frequently use data communication.

Since AT & T, the second in the industry, which has fallen into a situation such as temporarily discontinuing the new reception of iPhone already due to an increase in traffic (communication volume) has also abolished the packet flat rate plan, in the United States, Although it is supposed to have shifted to the system, I asked if it would be similar situation in Japan.

The inquiries and answers are as follows.

GIGAZINE:
As of July 2011, is traffic of 3G network increasing?

KDDI:
It is increasing.

GIGAZINE:
Is it due to the spread of smartphones?

KDDI:
There are various factors, but it is certain that data traffic is on the rise trend of smartphones compared to feature phones.

GIGAZINE:
Do you predict when the traffic will reach the limit at the present time?

KDDI:
Although not publicized in particular, in the lecture of Tanaka (President) of "Wireless Japan 2011" I mentioned that "the limit will come again in the second half of 2012".

GIGAZINE:
Verizon Wireless in the US and AT & T reviews the "packet flat rate plan" and switched to pay-per-use billing, but is there any possibility of review if traffic continues to grow?

KDDI:
There is nothing concretely determined now.

GIGAZINE:
Mobile phones companies are making efforts to distribute the traffic of 3G networks, but please tell us about your efforts.

KDDI:
As KDDI, we are working on setting up Wi - Fi spots and data offloading by introducing WiMAX - equipped terminals.

Although KDDI, which is said to limit the traffic of the 3G network to the limit even in the second half of 2012, attention should be paid to the public wireless LAN spot free of charge for use by smartphones by the companyAu Wi-Fi SPOT"Corresponding to the high-speed communication line" Mobile WiMAX "developed by subsidiary UQ CommunicationsHtc EVO WiMAX ISW 11HTLike a smartphone.

Both are compatible with automatic switching with existing 3G networks, not only will users always be able to use the optimal communication line, but also that KDDI has the merit of being able to distribute the traffic of the 3G network well Although it is a big point, I would like to expect that you can maintain a packet flat rate plan as the distribution of traffic progresses smoothly.

· Continued
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