John W. <worthj1970@yahoo.com> wrote:

> > I've been with Tu-ka for the last 8 or so years, but guess I'm ready to
> > make a switch.
> > 
> Maybe it's not a problem in Japan, but in the US you'd be stuck with a
> fairly hefty ($150) fee for cancelling your service. Doesn't that
> apply in Japan?

Nope.  Cancel fee only applies during the first year.
 
> Honestly I think if you're upgrading it's often worth it to suck up
> that fee; most companies give you huge discounts on phones to new
> subscribers. I think a good idea would be for a cell phone company to
> give new customers a $150 credit to cover that cancellation fee. Just
> a gimmick, of course, but I know people who'd switch for it.

Most places give away phones or sell them for 1 yen.

However, for the latest whizzy gadget phone, you'll have to fork out the
big bucks.

The hardest thing is to part with my phone number.  Although it's not
the greatest or most memorable, it's been mine for a long time.

Wish they had number portability here.

-- 
Matt
matt@gol.com