Optage is launching its new mobile service offering, the 50GB data plan under the Mineo brand, starting from March 13, 2025. The new plan, named "My Pita," will be priced at 2,948 yen (approximately $27.50) per month, targeting users who require significant data usage for services such as social media and video streaming.
According to announcements made on February 3, Mineo has been adjusting its services to align with the increasing demand for data, which has surged from 4.9GB per month to over 12GB within the last six years, as per statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The company is reportedly working to meet the expectations of over 1.3 million subscribers, reflecting on consumer habits highlighted by increased smartphone usage and the introduction of 5G technology.
The 50GB plan will join the existing options of 1GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB plans already available under the "My Pita" service. The launch will also bring with it several free options, including unlimited data during specific hours and features allowing users to save leftover data indefinitely. These options are touted as innovative responses to the needs of modern consumers. Mineo aims to provide services not only for high-data users but for everyone, adapting its offerings to fit expanded consumer expectations.
"We aim to accommodate the needs of our users, especially as 5G and video consumption habits evolve," said an Optage representative. The promotional campaign, termed the "2025 Spring Mineo Discount," will run from March 13 until June 3. This campaign offers the 50GB plan at 1,760 yen per month for the first six months, providing consumers considerable savings as they trial the new service.
Another noteworthy upgrade is set to arrive with Mineo's premium speed plan "My Soku," scheduled for the same launch date. The maximum speed will rise from 3Mbps to 5Mbps, enabling users to stream videos more effectively and download large applications with ease, all for the unchanged price of 2,200 yen/month. During the promotional period, the monthly cost for My Soku will also be reduced to 990 yen for qualifying new subscribers.
Optage’s motivation for these enhancements can be attributed to both competitive pressures and the need to keep up with user demands as observed worldwide. Recent data by Ericsson anticipates global data consumption to reach as high as 40GB monthly by 2030. With this progression, Mineo's strategy involves not only enhancing the current product line but also creating promotional bundlings to attract new users.
The company has also been focusing on community-driven features such as the "Share Tank," which allows users to share data with one another, and "Packet Gift," which allows for the gifting of excess data. Such features are becoming increasingly significant as users seek interactive and personalized mobile experiences.
The changes are tactically aligned with Mineo’s overall slogan, "After all, Mineo is the best." Mineo has indicated its commitment to improving service quality by not just providing more data but ensuring customers have flexible, user-friendly options. This holistic and customer-centric approach could be integral to maintaining their subscriber base during this era of rapid technological change.
Through the new 50GB data plan rollout, alongside enhanced premium services, Mineo positions itself as a leader ready to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the mobile data market. By addressing varying consumer needs, the company hopes to not only retain existing customers but also attract new users seeking more accommodating options for their mobile lifestyles.