GSM and 3G Mobile Phone

Hi,

I will be visiting Japan next week and like to know if I can use my Singapore mobile (GSM) in Japan. I heard from friends that Japan uses a different network system and my GSM handphone will not work there. Please advise.

Thanks,
JC, Singapore

There are probably dozens of threads on this topic that you could search, but no, GSM is not used in Japan.

you need 3G phone with 2100 band ie a QUAD band phone

Be careful to get the terminology correct. GSM / GPRS / EDGE Quad band doesn't mean that a phone is UMTS / HSDPA / HSUPA (3G) Quad band .

3G is 800/850/1900/2100 or 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz, UMTS.

Quad band GSM is 850/900/1800/1900MHz, and is not compatible with UMTS. (GSM is a 2G system)

The 2G system used in Japan is called PDC, and is not compatible with anything else.

I saw Softbank selling iPhone and this means that we can use iPhone in Japan?

U can call and check with your carrier if your phone can be used in japan. I know Singapore carriers provide rental of mobile for Japan roaming.

It depends on whether or not your carrier offers international roaming in Japan.

iPhone 3G itself works in Japan too.