IIJ to Launch the First eSIM Service in Japan

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• Japanese Version

TOKYO-July 4, 2019-Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ, TSE1: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced the July 18 launch of IIJmio Mobile Service Light Start Plan (eSIM Beta Version)- cellular data service with eSIM-as part of its IIJmio Mobile Service series of consumer mobile services.

Background

As a full MVNO(*), IIJ has built its own eSIM platform through which subscribers can remotely download the subscriber profile required to make cellular connections with IIJ's Home Location Register/Home Subscriber Server (HLR/HSS), and has been evaluating for various eSIM devices since last year. IIJ expects eSIM devices to see widespread use in the coming years, and the launch of the beta version of eSIM-ready service precedes its official launch. This service marks the first appearance of eSIM-ready cellular services-for SIM lock-free devices-in Japan.

• (*)Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) operate their own cellular services by using the base stations and other wireless access equipment of mobile network operators (MNOs), while full MVNOs are the operators that have and manage their own Home Location Register/Home Subscriber Server (HLR/HSS) that are a part of core mobile network facilities.

eSIM Benefits

eSIMs are embedded SIMs that allow users to remotely download the profiles required to use cellular services without inserting the physical SIM card, and they promise rapid market penetration. Users can readily switch mobile carriers just by downloading profiles to their eSIM-equipped smartphones or tablets rather than replacing SIM cards as they had done before.

Use Cases for the Service

The iPhone XS and other devices that allow the use of both existing physical SIM and eSIM can utilize this service as a secondary line, meaning that users can switch to the eSIM (IIJmio) only when, for instance, they exceed their monthly data allowance of the primary line. These devices also engender unprecedented use cases. By regularly using a physical SIM card for voice calls and an eSIM for IIJmio's data service, users can use roaming voice calls in a foreign country while simultaneously switching an eSIM profile from a local telecom provider and using the Internet with local tariff.

Service Overview

Service launch date

July 18, 2019

Function

Data

• (*)SMS and voice functionality is unavailable for this service.

Service name

IIJmio Mobile Service

Plan name

Light Start Plan (eSIM Beta Version)

Usage guide

Sign up for a plan from the dedicated signup page to show the activation code (a barcode). Scan the barcode with an eSIM-equipped device to download the profile and enable data connection. iPhone XS, Surface Pro LTE Advanced, and some other eSIM-equipped devices do not require APN settings.

• Visit IIJmio's website https://www.iijmio.jp/hdd/esim/ (only in Japanese).

Specifications

Fee	Initial fee	JPY3,000
	Monthly fee	JPY1,520
	SIM issuance fee	JPY200
	Universal service fee	N/A
Data allowance	Bundled data	6 GB per month
	Data top-up(*1)	Yes
Data speeds	High-speed	Uplink up to 131.3 Mbps Downlink up to 1288 Mbps
	Low-speed(after running out the data allowance)	200kbps
Minimum contract term	To the last day of the following month of the start date
Available options	Data Options (additional data allowance of 20 GB or 30 GB) Mobile Options (provide Internet security apps etc.)

• (*)Users cannot change to or combine this plan with other IIJmio Mobile Service plans.
• (*)After users run out their data allowance, data speed automatically switches to low-speed.

• (*1)Users may use an IIJmio Coupon Card or pay JPY200 per 100 MB through the IIJmio website.

Compatible eSIM-equipped Devices (as of July 4, 2019)

• Microsoft Surface Pro LTE Advanced
• Apple iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
• Apple 11-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad mini (5th generation)

• (*)Not to work with Apple Watch Series 3/Series 4 (GPS + Cellular model) or China models of all Apple devices above

As a full MVNO, IIJ continues to develop services that allow for a more comfortable user experience.

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.

For inquiries, contact

IIJ Corporate Communications

• +81-3-5205-6310
• +81-3-5205-6377
• press@iij.ad.jp

• (*) All company names and service names used in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.