"I want to use LINE" How to choose a cheap SIM and smartphone for seniors-Yusuke Furuta's home appliance trend communication

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 2017 Telecommunications Usage Trend Survey, mobile phones (32.1%) were chosen as the device that seniors in their 70s connect to the Internet, following personal computers (63.7%). ), and smartphones (37.0%). Among those in their 60s, personal computers (66.8%) and smartphones (54.8%) are thin, and mobile phones (21.2%) are far behind. Smartphones are now the first choice for seniors to connect to the internet at hand.

On the other hand, it is also true that there are many elderly people who use unnecessarily luxurious contract plans and options. It is best for the person themselves to understand the content properly and then select and put it into an appropriate contract, but if they do not have the knowledge and it is difficult to make a decision or solve it on their own, it is certain that their children, who are familiar with digital, will help them. Yes.

So, this time, I would like to explore the tips for contracting with a healthy plan from the perspective of the child generation who cares for their parents' smartphones. What kind of plan is better and how should I review the current contract if it is a light usage of "just doing LINE and the Internet" which is common among seniors?

Bic Camera Yurakucho store cooperated with the interview. Mr. Takumi Osumi, who is the chief of the mobile phone corner, said about recent trends, "Recently, it is not possible to expect a large terminal discount when changing models, so let's switch to a cheap SIM and keep the base monthly fee down. The number of people who say that is increasing."

Since the content and rules of communication contracts change frequently, the best of a few years ago is often not valid today. I learned the latest 5 tips.

Article 1: For light use, pay attention to a minimum cheap SIM

If you want to sign a new communication contract for light use, we recommend a combination of "cheap SIM" + "SIM free smartphone" ... apparently ... Cheap SIMs can be selected from 1,000 yen or less per month if they do not have a call function, and can be used without additional options, so there is little fluctuation in monthly charges and payment is easy to manage.

In the case of "BIC SIM" provided by Bic Camera and IIJ, the recommended plan is the minimum plan with SMS that allows you to use 3GB per month. You can purchase a cheap SIM with a monthly charge of 1,144 yen using NTT Docomo's line for 3,280 yen (tax included, same below).

"There are plans that are a little cheaper without SMS, but it is important to note that SMS is required for LINE contracts. I think this is a good choice for families who use it for light. The capacity is the same as LINE. If you only use the internet occasionally, 3GB is enough.If you have trouble with your BIC SIM card, you can reissue it at any BIC SIM counter nationwide, so you can rest assured of the support."

Article 2: If you want peace of mind in an emergency, use a phone function

Even if your SIM doesn't have a phone function, you can make regular voice calls using a free call app such as LINE Phone. is not. However, in consideration of contacting acquaintances who use mobile phones (Garakei) that do not support LINE, there are many people who want a cheap SIM with phone functions even if the monthly fee rises a little.

In the case of BIC SIM, the minimum plan (3GB) with phone function is 1,760 yen per month, which is slightly higher than the plan without phone function by 600 yen per month. The selling price of the SIM card is 3,280 yen, which is the same as without the phone function.

"If there is a phone function, it is great that there is no barrier to making an emergency call in the event of an emergency. It is not uncommon for elderly parents to place importance on that. is not it"

Article 3: Choose a device with the assumption that it will be used for 5 years

An important tip for SIM-free devices purchased with a cheap SIM is to choose a device that will last a long time. .

According to the consumption trends survey released in April 2019 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the replacement span for mobile phones is short at 2.6 years for those under the age of 29, but for those in their 60s 4.7 years, and 5.8 years for those aged 70 and over. In order to continue using the familiar terminal after purchase, it seems good to select with a view to roughly five years ahead.

In addition, if you choose a model that is easy to use for the support side, such as your child or spouse, there is also the advantage of being able to take care of it smoothly if something happens.

"It may be a good idea to look at the battery life and support system.In our shop, Sharp terminals are often selected because they are domestic manufacturers."

Sharp's SIM-free terminal "AQUOS sense3 SH-M12", which is said to be popular with a wide range of generations, was popular at the store. It is said that the battery has a large capacity and the thickness of the support is also evaluated. The price at the time of the interview was 38,280 yen.

Article 4: Check the current plan on both sides of the contract and subscription

To review the plan of a major carrier that you are currently contracted with, check the documents at the time of contract or the carrier's app. sure to do. In addition, you can check the Apple ID and Google account flat-rate services added later from "Settings" - "Username" - "Subscription" for iPhone, and "Subscription" from the "Google Play" menu for Android devices. . It would also be useful to check the details of the credit card where the withdrawal was made.

However, if the contents are complicated and you don't understand well, you can bring your device to a consumer electronics store and ask for help. "Each carrier has its own counter, so if you are the subscriber, you can handle it as long as you have a terminal, ID card, and a credit card to be used as a new debit account."

In the case of this store, it is said that it is relatively empty on weekday mornings and around 14:00 to 16:00, so if you want to take your time and consult with them, it would be better to aim for off-peak hours.

Article 5: Some people choose a style in which their children become contractors

When reviewing contracts, senior contractors who are unfamiliar with smartphones and communication contracts are worried about the final decision alone. It seems that there are many cases where parents and children come to the store at the same store. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for people to switch to the style of consolidating the contractor's name to the child instead of the parent.

"Some people hand it over like, 'It's my contract, but please use it.' There are times when it is judged that it would be easier to integrate into one, including those from

Whatever method you choose, the first thing you should do is to understand the current situation. If the person using the smartphone or the support side does not know the plan and how to use it, it will not proceed. If you are dissatisfied with the price or feel uneasy about it, why don't you try discussing it when the time is right?