78% of Smartphone Users Considering Switching to MVNO SIMs | Soaring Communication Costs Accelerate 'Savings-Oriented' Trend (Tsushin Creation Survey)
A survey by Tsushin Creation reveals that 78% of smartphone users have considered switching to an MVNO SIM, and 37% find their current communication costs too high. Amid rising living costs, monthly fees are the most crucial factor when choosing a mobile carrier.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 13, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 14, 2026 at 02:42 (15h 10m after Collected)
Tsushin Creation, a communication and internet information media outlet (operated by Site Creation Inc.), conducted an "Attitude Survey on Communication Costs and MVNO SIMs" targeting 100 smartphone users nationwide.
The survey results showed that 78% have "considered switching to an MVNO SIM." Additionally, 37% feel that their current communication costs are "high."
Amid rising communication costs and overall inflation, it's clear that there is a growing movement to review smartphone plans.
Survey Summary
- 78% responded that they have "considered switching to an MVNO SIM."
- 36% have actually switched to an MVNO SIM.
- 37% feel that their current communication costs are "high."
- "Monthly fees" are the most important factor when choosing a mobile carrier (66%).
- Major carrier users still constitute the majority.
78% Have Considered Switching to an MVNO SIM
In response to the question, "Have you considered switching to an MVNO SIM within the last three years?"
- Actually switched: 36%
- Considered but did not switch: 42%
- Have not considered: 22%
The total of those who have actually switched and those who have considered switching amounts to 78%, indicating that many users are conscious of reducing communication costs.
37% Responded That Communication Costs Are "High"
When asked about their current communication costs:
- Very high: 8%
- Slightly high: 29%
- Normal: 30%
- Not very high: 18%
- Feel cheap: 15%
The combined total of "very high" and "slightly high" is 37%, showing that a certain number of users feel burdened by communication costs.
"Monthly Fees" Are the Most Important Factor When Choosing a Mobile Carrier
When asked "What do you prioritize most when choosing a mobile carrier?":
- 1st place: Monthly fees (66%)
- 2nd place: Communication stability (17%)
- 3rd place: Communication speed (9%)
Amid continuing inflation, there is a growing trend for users to prioritize "reducing monthly fixed costs" even more than communication quality.
Current Mobile Carriers Used
Among the smartphone carriers currently used, many mentioned:
- docomo
- Y!mobile
- Rakuten Mobile
- au
- IIJmio
A certain number of users of brands that offer relatively lower prices, such as Rakuten Mobile and Y!mobile, were also confirmed.
User Voices
The survey also received comments such as:
- "My communication costs became cheaper after switching to an MVNO SIM."
- "I save money by using Wi-Fi when I'm out."
- "I regularly review my plans."
- "I'm hesitant to switch due to concerns about communication speed."
While awareness of communication cost savings is increasing, it also appears that "concerns about communication quality" are a hurdle to switching to MVNO SIMs.
Survey Overview
- Survey Sponsor: Tsushin Creation
- Survey Method: Online questionnaire (Lancers)
- Survey Period: May 2026
- Survey Target: 100 smartphone users nationwide
- Valid Responses: 100
About Tsushin Creation
Tsushin Creation is a web media platform that provides comparative information on communication services such as MVNO SIMs, smartphones, and fiber optic internet.
It offers easy-to-understand information from a user's perspective, based on actual usage experiences and price comparisons.
Website URL: https://sitecreation.co.jp/net/
Operating Company: Site Creation Inc.
The survey results showed that 78% have "considered switching to an MVNO SIM." Additionally, 37% feel that their current communication costs are "high."
Amid rising communication costs and overall inflation, it's clear that there is a growing movement to review smartphone plans.
Survey Summary
- 78% responded that they have "considered switching to an MVNO SIM."
- 36% have actually switched to an MVNO SIM.
- 37% feel that their current communication costs are "high."
- "Monthly fees" are the most important factor when choosing a mobile carrier (66%).
- Major carrier users still constitute the majority.
78% Have Considered Switching to an MVNO SIM
In response to the question, "Have you considered switching to an MVNO SIM within the last three years?"
- Actually switched: 36%
- Considered but did not switch: 42%
- Have not considered: 22%
The total of those who have actually switched and those who have considered switching amounts to 78%, indicating that many users are conscious of reducing communication costs.
37% Responded That Communication Costs Are "High"
When asked about their current communication costs:
- Very high: 8%
- Slightly high: 29%
- Normal: 30%
- Not very high: 18%
- Feel cheap: 15%
The combined total of "very high" and "slightly high" is 37%, showing that a certain number of users feel burdened by communication costs.
"Monthly Fees" Are the Most Important Factor When Choosing a Mobile Carrier
When asked "What do you prioritize most when choosing a mobile carrier?":
- 1st place: Monthly fees (66%)
- 2nd place: Communication stability (17%)
- 3rd place: Communication speed (9%)
Amid continuing inflation, there is a growing trend for users to prioritize "reducing monthly fixed costs" even more than communication quality.
Current Mobile Carriers Used
Among the smartphone carriers currently used, many mentioned:
- docomo
- Y!mobile
- Rakuten Mobile
- au
- IIJmio
A certain number of users of brands that offer relatively lower prices, such as Rakuten Mobile and Y!mobile, were also confirmed.
User Voices
The survey also received comments such as:
- "My communication costs became cheaper after switching to an MVNO SIM."
- "I save money by using Wi-Fi when I'm out."
- "I regularly review my plans."
- "I'm hesitant to switch due to concerns about communication speed."
While awareness of communication cost savings is increasing, it also appears that "concerns about communication quality" are a hurdle to switching to MVNO SIMs.
Survey Overview
- Survey Sponsor: Tsushin Creation
- Survey Method: Online questionnaire (Lancers)
- Survey Period: May 2026
- Survey Target: 100 smartphone users nationwide
- Valid Responses: 100
About Tsushin Creation
Tsushin Creation is a web media platform that provides comparative information on communication services such as MVNO SIMs, smartphones, and fiber optic internet.
It offers easy-to-understand information from a user's perspective, based on actual usage experiences and price comparisons.
Website URL: https://sitecreation.co.jp/net/
Operating Company: Site Creation Inc.