Japanese Mobile Providers / Services

[-Lithium]

What's the best mobile provider in Japan? What are some of your experiences with it? Share your input here~~ Thanks!

[gascoder]

First, let me start with the disclaimer that I have only used Softbank.
The phone cuts off in certain places.  I used to live on the 35th floor, and I was lucky if I could get 10 continuous minutes of talk time (sometimes not even 1)

This was HORRIBLE for phone conferences.  Now, my wife's phone is not nearly as bad, so maybe it is just the phone.

My understanding is that AU is the coolest, Softbank is the cheapest, and Docomo has the best reception. 

I cannot verify any of the above, but if I keep this going maybe others will comment with their agreement or disagreement.

[admin]

Back in the day I started out on a TUKU I don't even think they have them anymore anyway it was garbage.
After that I switched to AU because they worked underground while other providers didn't, I am pretty sure the other providers work fairly well everywhere now but...maybe they don't.

Anyway I stuck with them they have fair prices and work well. Although Japanese tend to use DOCOMO I think they are just plain expensive.