This is designed to be a "down & dirty" explanation on how to set up WiMAX Internet service from Bic Camera; an alternative to Allied Telisys.
Why am I doing this? Because I would like people to know there is a viable alternative to Allied Telisys on base and that you don't have to just "live with" the new 100GB cap ($1.00 per GB if you go over) they have implemented.There is NO CAP on the Bic WiMax service.
First of all--What is WiMAX? WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. A good explanation of it can be found HERE.
Speed- Max advertised speed is 40mbs. My experience is that you will get something closer to 8-15mbps, 20mbps if you are lucky. That is still faster than Allied Telisys by a long shot.(3-7mbps average with their 10mbps plan for $75.00 per month)
Cost- About 10,000.00 yen for the hardware and then 4480.00 yen per month after.
Bic Camera, one of the largest electronics retailers in Japan is offering 40mbps (best effort) WIMAX through a company called UQ WiMAX. There are three plans, but for this instruction I will be only describing one of the three. If you want the details of the other two check the "Important Explanation" at the bottom of the Bic WiMAX translated page.
Actual coverage on base is inconsistent. You can get at least 2-5mbps nearly everywhere on base, but in some locations I have seen it as fast as 18mbps. The great thing about this is that you get 15 days after you sign up to cancel if it is not for you.
1. Things you will need: Credit Card, ~10,000 yen for purchasing the hardware, Yen for the train, a basic understanding of the Tokyo train system, and about 2-3 hours of your time.
2. Take the train to Tachikawa. Exit on the NORTH side of the station. Bic Camera will be right outside the station at the bottom of the escalator on the right side of the street. If you have a hard time finding it (you shouldn't) ask any passerby "Bic Camera?" You will find somebody who knows.
3. When you enter Bic Camera from the front entrance go in and tell the first sales person you see that you are looking for the WiMAX counter. They will bring you over to the counter and find you one of the guys that speak some English.
4. The sales person will then show you the most expensive WiMAX hardware they currently have, the UROAD-9000. Its a dual WiMAX reciever/WiFi router. It's a nice piece of hardware with 10 hours of battery life. If you plan on useing it on the go through out Tokyo then it may be a good option for you. The Model I chose however was the combination WiMAX USB TYPE "BDSS02" + WiFi mobile router "URoad-5000". With this choice (for 9800 yen) you get a USB size WiMAX reciever and a cell phone sized WiFi router that the USB WiMAX reciever plugs into; or you can plug it directly into the USB port on your computer. The reason I chose this model option was to have more choices on how I could connect to the WiMAX network.
5. After you choose your hardware it's time to fill out the forms. Tell them you want the "Blue" plan. First the standard disclaimer/contract. Then the sales person will ask for the basics; Name, DOB, Address (Yokota Base, Fussa Shi, Tokyo 197-0001), and credit card number. After you fill out the forms the sales person will tell you it will take 30 min to activate. Go get some goyoza or a burger at McDonald's. One note; the first credit card I gave them did not work. When they set up the contract they make a test charge on your credit card of Y1.00. My bank detected that as a "fraud alert" and denied the charge. After I called the bank it worked fine.
6. OK, you have waited your 30 min, had some goyoza and are ready to head back to Bic Camera. When you get back the sales person will try his best to show and explain how everything works. If you are not a technical type be patient and listen. There are a couple of details that you need to pay attention to.
7. If you choose the WiMAX USB TYPE "BDSS02" + WiFi mobile router "URoad-5000" as I did the sales person will explain that to install the drivers to use USB WiMAX receiver on Windows 7, 32bit is automatic. It will auto detect it and install the drivers/software. On the other hand, if you have Windows 7, 64 bit you will have to use the supplied CD to install the drivers/software. If you don't know if you have the 32 or 64 bit version of Windows 7 ask a nerdy friend. Got a Mac? You’re on your own.
8. If you chose the URoad-9000 there is no further set up. Put it by a window, turn it on and connect to it wirelessly. Remember, this model is WiFi only. The included USB cable is for charging only.
That's it! You are now ready to enjoy 8-22mbps Internet access!
I am not in ANY way affiliated with Bic Camera/UQ WiMAX. I am not making you any promise. No grantee is implied or inferred, your experience may vary. I am providing this instruction as a public service. I will post no ads here or otherwise monitize this blog.
