[nickmo]

Hey, my brother is in the marines and is going to be spending a good majority of the next 2 years in Japan. I have been trying to do research on the mobile networks in Japan, but it has been confusing. What we are looking for is a phone that he can order right now, have delivered in the USA, use on a network(likely GSM?) and then when he goes to Japan he can use on a Japanese network.

My initial thought was to get the Samsung Galaxy Nexus directly from Google. No contracts, decent price, etc. But I am unsure whether or not it will run on any Japanese networks. If it does, which one will it run on? We also like the Samsung Galaxy S3 if the Nexus isn't our solution. Does any one have any experience with mobile networks in Japan? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[piizzadude]

I would think the international version would do the trick....A quick google says that you can use it on ATT not sure about japan. I am pretty sure the unlocked international version is where you want to start your search for the S3

[TeflonDog]

I wouldn't count on it. The Galaxy is sold here by DoCoMo exclusively. And they will protect that exclusivity at all cost. The phone market here is hyper-protective and archaic. Skype doesn't work on the S3 here because Docomo wants to charge 64 yen a minute for you to talk to anyone (domestically) not on Docomo.

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[gwappa]

Quick check on wikipedia says that everything apart from LTE should work in Japan if you use the international GT-I9300.