“With Rakuten Mobile, you can make free calls using the ‘Rakuten Link’ app. So, is the 1,100 yen/month ’15-Minute Standard Call’ option really necessary?
Actually, there are specific situations where this option comes in handy.

In this article, I will explain the details, pricing, and important points to note regarding the ’15-Minute Standard Call’ option. I will also cover the differences between this and Rakuten Link, along with tips on how to use them effectively, so if you’re wondering which one is right for you, please read on.”

Table of Contents

▮What is the ’15-Minute Unlimited Call’ option?

Rakuten Mobile’s “15-Minute Standard Call” option costs 1,100 yen (tax included) per month and provides unlimited access to the following:

• Domestic calls within 15 minutes per call using your phone’s standard dialer app.
• Domestic SMS (sending and receiving).

Note: If a call exceeds 15 minutes, a charge of 22 yen (tax included) per 30 seconds will apply.

▮Who is the 15-Minute Unlimited Call option for?

Now, let’s take a look at the scenarios where this option proves useful.

１．Highly recommended for those who make frequent business calls.
Since the Rakuten Link app requires you to route calls through the app, it can sometimes feel inconvenient or unprofessional in business settings. With this option, you can easily make calls directly from your standard phone app, eliminating that stress.

２．This option is also ideal for those who are not tech-savvy or for elderly users. For those who find it cumbersome to open the Rakuten Link app every time they make a call, this option simplifies the process by allowing them to continue using their phone’s standard dialer app as usual.

３．This option is also a great choice for those who prioritize call quality. Since Rakuten Link uses an internet-based connection (VoIP), audio quality can sometimes become unstable depending on your signal strength. In contrast, this option utilizes the standard cellular network, which generally provides more consistent and reliable call quality.

４．This option is also perfect for those who often forget to use the Rakuten Link app. When you receive a call on your standard phone app, it won’t show up in your Rakuten Link call history. If you accidentally call back from the standard app, you will be charged for the call. For those who find switching apps a hassle or tend to call back from the standard dialer by mistake, this option allows you to make calls stress-free while keeping your monthly costs under control.

▮Who doesn’t need the 15-Minute Unlimited Call option?

If you are already comfortable using Rakuten Link, rarely make phone calls, or primarily use your phone for receiving incoming calls, there is no need to pay for this optional service.

▮Important Note: Some numbers are excluded from the unlimited calling plan.

The following numbers are not covered by the ’15-Minute Standard Call’ option and will incur standard charges:

• Third-party connection services such as Navidial (0570).
• Certain special numbers (e.g., 188).

Click here for a full list of excluded numbers：https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/terms/pdf/rakuten_mobile_exception_number_list.pdf

▮Summary・・・

The “15-Minute Standard Call” option is recommended for those who want to use the cellular network for calls at a better value.

• Generally unnecessary if you are already comfortable using Rakuten Link.
• Highly effective for those who prefer the standard phone app, make frequent business calls, or are not tech-savvy.
• Be aware of extra charges for calls exceeding 15 minutes.
• Check in advance as certain numbers, such as 0570 (Navidial), are not covered by the option.

If you switch to Rakuten Mobile from another carrier using the “Employee Referral Campaign,” you’ll receive a massive 14,000 points!

When considering a switch, please be sure to check the campaign entry requirements. Whether or not you apply for the campaign will significantly impact your initial out-of-pocket costs.

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