SIM Card Vending Machines Enable Prepaid Mobile Service On The Spot

TOKYO -- NTT Communications Corp. is reportedly operating SIM card vending machines in Japan that enable customers to begin using prepaid mobile service in as fast as two minutes. The machines are located at Japan's Aqua City Odaiba shopping complex and New Kansai International Airport.

After making a purchase with a credit card, the user registers his or her information, such as name and birthday, via a touch panel or passport scanner to gain immediate access to the Internet. Consumers can choose a regular, micro or nano SIM card with a seven-day plan for 3,450 Japanese Yen ($28.70) or a 14-day plan for 4,950 Japanese Yen ($41.20), excluding tax.

The purchase includes instructions (in English, Japanese and Chinese), on how to apply for the no-charge Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi service provided by NTT Broadband Platform Inc. at some 95,000 locations nationwide, including airports, train stations, commercial facilities and convenience stores.

NTT Com's Prepaid SIM cards are already available via retailers at airports, electronic stores and travel agencies throughout Japan.