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SoftBank Price Increase July 2026 | Comparison with Rakuten Mobile

Published: May 19, 2026 / Updated: May 19, 2026

Mobile Otaku

Mobile Otaku

Thank you for visiting. This blog is run by me — a Rakuten employee (8 years in system development) — as a personal project. Switching mobile carriers can bring many worries: "What if I lose signal after switching?" or "How much will I actually end up paying?" I hope this blog helps you make an informed decision.

Reader: "I heard SoftBank is raising prices — how much will it go up?"

Mobile Otaku: "From July 1, 2026, Merihari Unlimited Plus increases by ¥550/month and Mini Fit Plan Plus by ¥330/month. Here's a full breakdown of the revision and how Rakuten Mobile compares!"

SoftBank is revising the base rates for Merihari Unlimited Plus and Mini Fit Plan Plus from July 1, 2026 (Wed). Here is a summary of the post-revision prices and key differences compared to Rakuten Mobile.

SoftBank Price Increase 2026 — Overview

Overview
  • Revision date: July 1, 2026 (Wed)
  • Affected plans: Merihari Unlimited Plus, Mini Fit Plan Plus, and others (including discontinued plans)
  • Merihari Unlimited Plus: base rate +¥550 (incl. tax)
  • Mini Fit Plan Plus: base rate +¥330 (incl. tax)

SoftBank 2026 Revision: Post-Revision Rates vs. Rakuten Mobile

Let's compare the post-revision rates with Rakuten Mobile by data usage.

⚠ SoftBank price increase from July 1, 2026 (Wed)
Merihari Unlimited Plus increases by ¥550/month, Mini Fit Plan Plus by ¥330/month.
※Prices shown are base rates before discounts (incl. tax).
Mini Fit Plan+
incl. tax※1		 Merihari Unlimited+
incl. tax※1		 Rakuten Mobile
incl. tax※2
~1GB Before ¥3,278 ¥3,608 Before ¥5,775 ¥6,325 ≤2GB discount※3 ¥1,078
1–2GB Before ¥4,378 ¥4,708 Before ¥5,775 ¥6,325 ≤2GB discount※3
2–3GB Before ¥5,478 ¥5,808 Before ¥7,425 ¥7,975
3–20GB — Before ¥7,425 ¥7,975 ¥2,178
Unlimited — Before ¥7,425 ¥7,975 ¥3,278※2
Domestic calls Extra charge Extra charge Extra charge
Free with app※4
Network SoftBank SoftBank Rakuten

※1 Before discounts (incl. tax). Excl. call charges.
※2 Before discounts (incl. tax). Excl. call charges. Speed may be restricted due to fair use policy or conditions.
※3 Automatic ¥1,650 (incl. tax) discount for months ≤2GB. Applied to base price ¥7,425 (before) / ¥7,975 (after revision).
※4 When using Rakuten Link. Without app: ¥22/30 sec. Some numbers excluded.
Source: SoftBank official (July 2026 revision)　Rakuten Mobile official

Key Differences

Merihari Unlimited Plus (Unlimited Plan)

After the revision, the base rate is ¥7,975/month (before discounts, incl. tax). Compared to Rakuten Mobile's unlimited data plan※1 (¥3,278/month), the difference is ¥4,697/month. That adds up to approximately ¥56,000 per year.

※1 Excludes call charges. Speed may be restricted due to fair use policy or conditions.

Mini Fit Plan Plus (Up to 3GB)

This plan is designed for light users (up to 3GB), but after the revision, even the ~1GB tier costs ¥3,608/month (before discounts, incl. tax) — ¥2,530 more than Rakuten Mobile's ~3GB tier (¥1,078/month).

Considering Switching to Rakuten Mobile?

Switching from SoftBank using MNP (Mobile Number Portability) lets you keep your current phone number.

  1. Get your SoftBank MNP reservation number (not needed for online application via MNP one-stop)
  2. Apply on Rakuten Mobile's official site (select MNP)
  3. Enter your ID document and payment details
  4. Activate once your SIM/eSIM arrives

If you're considering switching

Open the Rakuten Mobile official page via the referral link to start your application. Up to 14,000 points with the referral campaign.

Rakuten Mobile referral campaign — up to 14,000 points Apply for Rakuten Mobile (Referral Campaign) →

※Conditions apply, such as logging in via the referral campaign URL or starting service use before applying. Points awarded in installments starting four months after the referral login month.

FAQ

When does the SoftBank price increase take effect?
The revision takes effect from July 1, 2026 (Wed). Pre-revision rates apply through June 30.
Do I need to do anything in response to the price increase?
The revised rates will be applied automatically. If you are considering switching, it is best to proceed with cancellation or MNP before July 1.
Can I transfer my number from SoftBank to Rakuten Mobile?
Yes! Using MNP (Mobile Number Portability), you can keep your current phone number when switching to Rakuten Mobile.
Is Rakuten Mobile's network coverage reliable?
Rakuten Mobile's network now covers 99.9% of the population across Japan※1. Some caution is still needed in deep underground areas or mountainous regions, but satellite-based communication is also scheduled to launch in Q4 2026.

※1 As of June 2023. Calculated based on areas where communication is possible in more than 50% of approximately 500m grid segments used in the national census. Connection may be difficult in some buildings.

Summary

  • SoftBank Merihari Unlimited Plus increases by ¥550/month from July 1, 2026 (¥7,425 → ¥7,975)
  • Mini Fit Plan Plus also increases by ¥330/month
  • The gap with Rakuten Mobile (¥3,278/month · unlimited data※1) widens to approx. ¥4,697/month
  • Switch while keeping your current phone number (MNP)

※1 Excludes call charges. Speed may be restricted due to fair use policy or conditions.

Apply for Rakuten Mobile (Referral Campaign) →

Source: SoftBank official (July 2026 revision)

Plans and pricing subject to change. Always check official sites before applying.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.