Internet in Japan

[newcomic 0]

Hi where im staying in Hakuba & wont have internet access however im going to need it on a regular basis.

 

I heard somethign about a card i can purchase for my laptop to access the wireless net.

 

Any information on how i could access the net on my laptop would be appreciated. Cheers

[Bonio 0]

I've got a pocket pc so I was also wondering if their are any wireless hotspots in the Hakuba area. Starbucks normally provide them in the UK, not sure if you have to register and pay though.

 

I think making laptops wireless capable is relatively easy. These links might help:

 

http://mobileoffice.about.com/cs/laptops/tp/laptopcards.htm

[fjef 0]

There are 2 ways to connect wirelessly in Japan - one by tapping into a wireless base station that might be located in a Starbucks or someones home using a wireless LAN card in your laptop. The other is connecting directly to the internet via a wireless card that uses a mobile phone network. These are very different cards.

 

I know there are wireless base stations that I have connected to in Hakuba - many of the small hotels and pensions have open networks and I drove around until I found one. (One near snowbeds and one near the 7-11 if I remember correctly)

 

If you don't want to drive around, can't find an open network and you need somewhat reliable access, you will need an Air-H card (http://www.willcom-inc.com/en/). I have used mine in Hakuba with mostly good results but there are some places on the outskirts of the town and on the mountain where the signal (its a PHS system) is weak or non-existant. 25 hours a month is about 5,000 yen and unlimited is about 8,000 yen/month. The card itself can be had for free (Akihabara and discount shops if you contract with them) or runs about 10,000 yen. I usually get a signal of 64k or less so its best for email and basic stuff...

[newcomic 0]

sounds perfect!!