For those considering switching to Rakuten Mobile, you might be wondering when the best time to make the switch is.
In this article, a Rakuten employee will explain in detail the optimal timing for switching and the reasons behind it.
When is the best time for MNP? Switching to Rakuten Mobile is recommended towards the end of the month.
Here’s an explanation for those who are unfamiliar with MNP.
When switching from another carrier to Rakuten Mobile, you can use MNP (Mobile Number Portability) to retain your current phone number.
Rakuten Mobile
So, when is the best time for those currently contracted with another carrier to switch to Rakuten Mobile (MNP)? The ideal time is towards the end of the month.
However, rather than waiting until the very last day of the month, it’s better to apply about five days before the end. This is because the application process, including review and SIM card shipment, can take some time.
Reasons why switching to Rakuten Mobile with MNP is recommended towards the end of the month.
Rakuten Mobile does not generally prorate fees for mid-month contracts or cancellations.
This is because the charges are based on the amount of data used over the entire month.
| Monthly data usage | Monthly fee (including tax) |
|---|---|
| Less than 3GB | 1,078 yen |
| 3GB to less than 20GB | 2,178 yen |
| 20GB or more (unlimited data) | 3,278 yen |
Therefore, if you switch towards the end of the month and minimize your data usage, you can keep your cost to 1,078 yen if you use less than 3GB.
On the other hand, many other mobile carriers also charge the full monthly fee for the month of cancellation, so canceling at the beginning of the month could result in the same charges.
Please contact your current mobile carrier for more information.
Steps for Switching from Another Carrier to Rakuten Mobile (MNP) | Procedures Using an MNP Reservation Number
With Rakuten Mobile, you can choose from two types of switching procedures:
- "Procedures Using an MNP Reservation Number"
- "MNP One-Stop Procedures"
Let me explain how to obtain an MNP reservation number.
Items Needed for the Switching Procedure
When switching to Rakuten Mobile (MNP), please prepare the following items in advance.
| 必要なもの | 備考 |
|---|---|
| Identification documents | |
| MNP reservation number | This is not necessary if you are using the MNP One-Stop procedure. |
| Rakuten Member User ID and Password | The information on the identification documents must match the Rakuten member information. |
| Credit card/bank account information |
Application Process | MNP Reservation Number
The MNP process is as follows:
- Obtain an MNP reservation number from your current mobile carrier.
- When applying to Rakuten Mobile, select "Switching from another carrier (MNP)."
- Apply for phone number porting (MNP).
- Select "MNP reservation number issued or other carrier" option.
- Complete the MNP activation process.
First, get an MNP reservation number from your current carrier.
For detailed MNP procedures, please refer to the official Rakuten Mobile website.
It is recommended to start a new contract with Rakuten Mobile at the beginning of the month.
For those applying for a new Rakuten Mobile line, anytime is generally fine. However, for heavy data users (those who use more than 20GB per month), it is recommended to start at the beginning of the month.
With Rakuten Mobile, no matter how much data you use, the monthly basic fee is 3,278 yen.
Even if you exceed 20GB, your speed will not be reduced.
For those who frequently play online games or watch videos, it’s better to apply at the beginning of the month.
About the Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign
For those wondering, "What exactly is the Employee Referral Campaign?", let me explain it in detail.
Key Points of the Rakuten Employee Referral Campaign (Campaign Code: 2162)
- 14,000 Points: Awarded for switching lines (MNP)
- 7,000 Points: Awarded for non-MNP applications
- Eligible Plans: "Rakuten Saikyo Plan," "Rakuten Saikyo Plan (Data Type)," "Rakuten Turbo."
- Eligible Participants:
- First-time applicants
- Those applying for additional lines (up to 5 lines)
- Re-contracts
- Campaign Benefits: Applicable to a maximum of 5 lines.
- Exclusions: Some campaigns cannot be combined with this offer.
＼ Log in for entry ／
Please click the invitation link button and proceed directly to the Rakuten member login page. Once you log in, the "Referral Entry" process will be complete.
For more details about the campaign, please check this page.
