NTT Docomo’s ahamo Jumps to 3-Tier Plan on December 1, 2026

NTT Docomo (9437.T) will transform its ahamo online plan into a three-tier structure on December 1, replacing the current two-option format. Users will pay ¥3,135 for up to 40GB, ¥4,125 for 40-60GB, or ¥5,115 for 60-120GB. The shift reflects rising costs and user feedback on data capacity concerns, with existing subscribers automatically moved to the 40GB tier.

ahamo shifts to flexible three-tier pricing

Docomo scraps the fixed 30GB plan (¥2,970) and 110GB add-on option, moving to usage-based tiers on December 1. The 40GB base tier costs ¥3,135, a ¥165 monthly increase but with 10GB extra capacity. Vice President Saito Takeshi stated that 30% of ahamo users worry about hitting the 30GB cap, making the tier system more practical. The change eliminates the need for manual data top-ups when users exceed their limit.

Data caps and overseas expansion ease user concerns

A new free “data limit option” lets users cap monthly usage at 40GB or 60GB to prevent overspending. Existing ahamo subscribers as of November 1 will automatically receive the 40GB cap from December 1. Overseas data allocation rises from 30GB to 40GB, and a new ¥980 daily add-on lets users maintain full speed beyond 15 days abroad. The “daikari” large-data option ends November 30.

New mini2 plan targets families with discounts

Docomo launches “docomo mini2” on December 1 for low-data users, offering 6GB or 12GB tiers at ¥3,278 and ¥4,598 before discounts. With family discounts stacked, the 6GB plan drops to ¥858 monthly. Unlike the old mini plan, mini2 supports family call-free service and offers seniors a ¥990 unlimited call option (normally ¥1,980). The old mini plan stops new sign-ups November 30.

Competitive positioning against Rakuten amid cost pressures

Saito acknowledged Rakuten Mobile’s pricing as a reference point, noting ahamo’s ¥3,135 for 40GB remains competitive despite the raise. He stressed ahamo’s lack of complex discount conditions sets it apart from rivals. Docomo also launches “docomo MAX 60-plus discount” on October 1, cutting senior rates up to ¥2,970 monthly for three months. Docomo cited rising inflation and labor costs as drivers for the December 1 changes across multiple plans.

Final Thoughts

Docomo’s ahamo overhaul balances user demand for flexible data with margin pressure from rising costs. The three-tier model and family-focused mini2 plan position the carrier competitively against Rakuten, though the ¥165 base-tier increase signals broader pricing discipline across Japan’s telecom sector.

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