Rakuten Mobile Unveils ‘strongest U-NEXT‘ Plan: Is It the Best Deal?

Rakuten Mobile is expanding its service offerings with the introduction of “Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT,” a new pricing plan that bundles its existing mobile service with the U-NEXT video streaming platform. This plan, described as a “special exception” by Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, aims to provide users with a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to enjoy both services.

The core appeal of Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT lies in its promise of savings compared to subscribing to Rakuten’s Strongest Plan and U-NEXT independently. However,a closer examination reveals nuances that may make individual subscriptions a better choice for some users. This article breaks down the features, costs, and trade-offs of Rakuten’s new plan, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

Rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’: A Closer Look at Pricing and Features

Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT combines Rakuten’s Strongest Plan, known for its unlimited data, with the U-NEXT video streaming service. The combined package costs 4,378 yen per month (including tax).Subscribers can also take advantage of the “Strongest Family Program” for an additional discount, bringing the price down to 4,268 yen for families with multiple lines.

Did You Know? Rakuten Mobile’s network now covers 99.9% of Japan’s population, ensuring widespread connectivity for its users ^[1].

to understand the potential savings, consider the individual costs. Rakuten’s Strongest Plan,offering unlimited data after 20GB,is priced at 3,278 yen.U-NEXT, on the other hand, costs 2,189 yen per month. Subscribing to both services separately would total 5,467 yen.The bundled Strongest U-NEXT plan offers a discount of 1,089 yen, effectively making U-NEXT available for approximately 1,100 yen when bundled with Rakuten Mobile.

Weighing the Benefits: Unlimited Data vs. U-NEXT Points

While the bundled plan offers a discount, it’s crucial to consider the value of U-NEXT’s point system. A standard U-NEXT subscription includes 1,200 yen worth of points each month,which can be used to purchase or rent movies and other content.These points can also be used for movie discount tickets, NHK On Demand content, and live streaming events.

For users who actively utilize these points,the economics shift. The 1,200 points effectively reduce the cost of a regular U-NEXT subscription to 989 yen. Combining this discounted U-NEXT price with Rakuten’s Strongest plan (3,278 yen) results in a total cost of 4,267 yen, which is less than the 4,378 yen charged for Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT.

Pro Tip: Track your U-NEXT point usage for a few months to determine if you consistently maximize their value. This will help you decide whether the bundled plan or individual subscriptions are more cost-effective.

Who Benefits Most from Rakuten’s ‘Strongest U-NEXT’?

rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT is particularly appealing to users who:

• Consume large amounts of mobile data (over 20GB per month).
• frequently stream videos outside of their home Wi-Fi network.
• Do not heavily rely on U-NEXT’s point system for purchasing or renting content.

As Rakuten Mobile CEO Mikitani stated, this plan targets users who “use a large amount of data, not 20GB or more,” and want to “use it without worrying about the amount of data used.”

Conversely, users who primarily enjoy U-NEXT content at home via smart TVs or other devices connected to a fixed-line internet connection may find that subscribing to Rakuten’s Strongest Plan and U-NEXT separately is a more economical option, especially if they fully utilize the U-NEXT points.

Comparing Rakuten mobile Plans: A Summary

Strategic Implications for Rakuten Mobile and U-NEXT

Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT serves multiple strategic objectives. For Rakuten Mobile, it encourages user subscriptions, increases average revenue per user (ARPU), and reduces churn. For U-NEXT, it expands its user base by tapping into Rakuten Mobile’s customer network.

Ultimately, the success of this bundled plan hinges on its ability to attract and retain users who value the convenience of unlimited data and seamless access to video content.By carefully considering their individual usage patterns and preferences, consumers can determine whether Rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT is the right choice for them.

What are your thoughts on bundled mobile and streaming plans? Will you consider rakuten’s Strongest U-NEXT, or do you prefer individual subscriptions? Share your opinions in the comments below!