In today’s digital age, having a dependable and high-speed internet connection is essential. When it comes to meeting this requirement in Japan, au Hikari is a top choice. With its exceptional features, easy installation process, and flexible plans, au Hikari offers a clear path to a faster and more reliable online experience.
This guide is designed to help you understand au Hikari better, giving you valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about your internet service provider. Whether you’re a tech-savvy enthusiast or a casual user, join us as we explore the reasons why au Hikari could be the perfect choice for your internet needs.
What is au Hikari?
au Hikari is a fiber-optic internet service offered under the umbrella of KDDI, a well-known telecommunications company famous for its au brand.
One of the standout features of au Hikari is its potential to save subscribers money on their phone bills when bundled with an au smartphone plan. This feature alone can significantly reduce monthly expenses, potentially saving users up to 1,100 JPY each month.
6 Reasons to Choose au Hikari
1. Lightning-Fast Communication Speed
au Hikari provides an incredible communication speed that is difficult to match. It has an average download speed of 467 Mbps, an upload speed of 445 Mbps, and a low ping of 17.6 ms, putting it at the forefront of high-speed optical line services.
If you prioritize fast communication, au Hikari is sure to meet your expectations.
It’s worth noting that au Hikari differs from NTT FLET’S Hikari. While NTT’s FLET’S Hikari lines are shared by various providers, au Hikari operates on its own fiber-optic communication network owned by KDDI.
This means that au Hikari lines are primarily dedicated to au Hikari services.
In practical terms, the user base for au Hikari is smaller compared to FLET’S Hikari, leading to less congestion on the line. This translates to a more stable and reliable speed for au Hikari users.
2. Almost Zero Construction Costs
When you sign up for au Hikari, there is a construction fee of ¥41,250 for a standalone house and ¥33,000 for an apartment. However, this amount will be deducted from your monthly line usage fee, making the construction cost almost free.
Regarding the payment schedule, you can choose to pay in one lump sum or in installments (23 or 35 times) for standalone houses, and in one lump sum or 23 times for apartments. Keep in mind that payment options may vary depending on the provider, so it’s best to check with each specific provider.
It’s essential to note that the construction fee is only waived for condominiums and standalone houses that select both “Internet and Hikari Denwa” services. If you apply for internet-only (optical line only), you will need to cover the installation cost yourself.
3. Customized Plans
Choosing au Hikari is an excellent decision because they offer different plans that cater to your internet needs. Whether you’re a video enthusiast, a professional worker, or a casual browser, au Hikari has unique plans for everything you enjoy doing online.
This way, you only pay for what you genuinely need, which is a smart and friendly way to save money.
You can explore all the different plans they offer and pick the one that works best for you and your internet preferences. It’s like choosing your favorite ice cream flavor!
| descent speed | up speed | |
| au Hikari | 467.07 | 444.67 |
| Softbank Hikari | 324.59 | 255.73 |
| docomo Hikari | 274.17 | 233.43 |
Costs and Speeds
When it comes to internet costs and speeds, au Hikari may not be the most affordable option, but customers often praise its value for money. You’ll receive high-quality speed that’s worth the cost, similar to buying a fast car with your budget.
Even though other providers may offer cheaper plans, au Hikari ensures that you get what you pay for – excellent speed and quality.
Selecting the appropriate plan is simple with au Hikari, as they offer various options to match your internet usage. It’s like finding the perfect puzzle piece that fits perfectly into place.
Don’t stress about choosing au Hikari; they make it effortless to find the ideal plan for you, similar to discovering the perfect pair of shoes that feel fantastic when worn.
| plan name | Contract period | Detached type | Mansion type |
| au Hikari | 2 years (automatic renewal) | 5,720 yen | 5,720 yen |
| GMO Toku Toku BB light | No binding (cancellation fee) | ¥4,818* | ¥3,773* |
| BIGLOBE light | 3 years (automatic renewal) | 5,478 yen | 4,378 yen |
| OCN light | 2 years (automatic renewal) | 5,610 yen | 3,960 yen |
Lastly, the monthly charge is dependent on the plan you choose.
Condominium-Type Usage Fee
The au Hikari apartment type offers different types depending on the apartment you live in.
The service type is preset depending on the apartment you live in and cannot be selected.
If you are not sure which type of apartment you plan to use au Hikari, please feel free to contact us.
| Value plan A | |||
| Offer type ★5 | Charges (Internet only) *1★6 | Charges (Internet + phone) *1 *2 | |
| Mansion Giga Price details ▼ | 4,455 yen/month | ¥ 5,005 /month | |
| Mansion Mini Giga Price details ▼ | ¥ 5,500 /month | ¥ 6,050 /month | |
| type E Price details ▼ | 16 contracts or more | ¥ 3,740 /month | 4,290 yen/month |
| 8 contracts or more | 4,070 yen/month | 4,620 yen/month | |
| type V Price details ▼ | 16 contracts or more | 4,180 yen/month | 4,730 yen/month |
| 8 contracts or more | 4,510 yen/month | ¥ 5,060 /month | |
| type-F Price details ▼ | type-F | 4,290 yen/month | 4,840 yen/month |
| Type F(S) | ¥ 3,740 /month | 4,290 yen/month | |
| city mechanism Price details ▼ | 4,180 yen/month | 4,730 yen/month | |
- 1 When “account transfer/credit card discount (¥110/month discount)” is applied with au one net
- 2 Includes ¥550 monthly charge for phone service
| Value plan | |||
| Offer type ★5 | Charges (Internet only) *1★6 | Charges (Internet + phone) *1 *2 | |
| type G Price details ▼ | 16 contracts or more | 4,180 yen/month | 4,730 yen/month |
| 8 contracts or more | 4,510 yen/month | ¥ 5,060 /month | |
| Urban Renaissance G Price details ▼ | 4,180 yen/month | 4,730 yen/month | |
- 1 When “account transfer/credit card discount (¥110/month discount)” is applied with au one net
- 2 Includes ¥550 monthly charge for phone service
| Initial cost | |
| New registration fee ★7 | 3,300 yen |
| Initial cost (including construction cost) ★8 | 33,000 yen (1,443 yen for the first time, 1,434 yen after the second time x 22 months) |
| Discount equivalent to the initial cost ★9 | -33,000 yen (first time -1,443 yen, second and subsequent -1,434 yen x 22 months) |
Mansion Giga (Special Plan A ★3★5) Plan details
| Offer type | Internet only *1 | Internet + Phone *1* |
| price | 4,455 yen/month | ¥ 5,005 /month |
- 1 When “account transfer/credit card discount (¥110/month discount)” is applied with au one net
- 2 Includes ¥550 monthly charge for phone service
Advantages of Plan A
24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergency troubles in daily life!
- For water leaks and clogs in the kitchen.
Gas stove does not ignite. - For troubles such as lost door keys and broken window glass.
- Malfunction or noise of air conditioner.
4. Save on Smartphone Bills with au Smart Value
By opting for the optional optical fiber phone service alongside au Hikari, you unlock the benefits of au Smart Value.
This means that your family’s smartphone expenses will be reduced, leading to more affordable bills. The exact amount of savings varies depending on your smartphone plan, but generally, you can expect a discount ranging from 550 to 1,100 yen per smartphone.
| plan | Discounted rate (monthly) |
| Smartphone Mini Plan 5G/4G | 550 yen |
| Unlimited MAX 5GUnlimited MAX 5G/4G | 1,100 yen |
“au Smart Value” from Hikari might not be the best choice for everyone. If any of these things describe you, then “au Smart Value” might not be recommended:
- You don’t need a landline phone at home, and you don’t want to get a light phone. For example, if you already have a contract for a fixed-line phone.
- You live alone and have a basic au data plan. The discount might not be very big.
- In your family, only you have an au smartphone contract, but others don’t.
- You don’t like dealing with complicated discounts on optical lines. It’s too much trouble to figure out how much cheaper it will be with “au Smart Value.”
- You’re thinking about switching to a cheaper SIM card in the future.
- If you live in the Tokai/Kansai region and you’re not in the service area.
5. Easy Online Application Process
There are three contract windows for au Hikari. Providers and authorized dealers offer their own cashback benefits in addition to official au benefits, so you can get even better deals.
- au official (telephone/web)
- Provider (telephone/web)
- Authorized agency (telephone/web)
Here is the step-by-step online application process:
Check Availability
First, go to the promotional page and find the box. This is where you can see if au Hikari is available for your home.
Put in your ZIP code and select the type of building you live in (like a house or apartment). Click “Check Availability” when you’re done.
Choose Your Building Type
On the next page, pick the type of building you live in (like a house or apartment).
Pick a Promotion and Plan
Choose a promotion you like. There are different deals you can get. Also, choose a payment plan that suits you best. Pick the “Standard Plan” if you want more flexibility.
Add Home Phone Service (Optional)
You can add a home phone service if you want. It might give you a discount. Click “New Customer, Continue Ordering” if you want this.
Enter Your Info
Fill in your information in the forms provided. After you’re done, you’ll get an email to confirm.
Optional Services
You can add more services if you want. Some might help you save money. You can ignore the ones you don’t need.
Set Up Your User ID and Password
Choose a user ID and password that you’ll use to access your account.
Choose How to Pay
Decide how you want to pay your bills. You can choose a credit card or another way.
Agree and Confirm
Read and agree to the terms and conditions. Then, click “Confirm Order” to finish.
What Happens Next
After you order online, you’ll get an email from au Hikari. Follow the steps in the email to finish your contract.
Finalizing the Contract
You’ll get an email with an Order Acceptance Letter. Click a link and register as a member.
Fiber Installation
Someone will come to your place to set up the internet. It takes about an hour.
Activating the Internet
You’ll get an email with instructions on how to set up your device and start using the internet.
That’s it! You’re all set to enjoy your new au Hikari internet connection.
6. Wide Coverage Area
Normally, fiber-optic lines with their own networks, like NURO Hikari, are mainly available in cities. However, au Hikari stands out as it covers nearly all regions across the country, with only a few areas in Kansai and Chubu not included.
If you’re interested in a fiber-optic line with its own network, and NURO Hikari isn’t an option where you are, then au Hikari could be a great choice to consider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, au Hikari stands as a reliable and high-performance choice for fiber-optic internet services in Japan. Its lightning-fast communication speed, cost-saving features, user-friendly application process, and extensive coverage make it a standout option for both casual users and tech enthusiasts.
Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, working from home, or simply staying connected, au Hikari’s exceptional features ensure a seamless and enjoyable online experience. With its commitment to providing top-notch speed, affordability, and convenience, au Hikari emerges as a clear winner in the realm of internet service providers.
Make the smart choice today and elevate your online journey with au Hikari’s exceptional fiber-optic internet service.
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