How is A'lpha1 different from NTT, KDDI, etc?

The answer is simple: low rates 24 hours/day no matter where you call. They are companies with very high rates that only get cheaper at certain times, or with discounts for calling preselected numbers only.

Why is it so cheap?

A'lpha1 uses its large customer base to negotiate discounted rates from international carriers. And since A'lpha1's services are sold through an expanding network of independent sales representatives, there's no need for a large advertising budget. This allows us to pass on the savings to our customers.

How is the sound quality?

A'lpha1 is not an IP phone service so there aren't the sound quality problems or technical problems that IP phone systems have. A'lpha1 uses fiber-optic telephone lines for the best sound quality.

Do I need special equipment to use A'lpha1?

No, you don't need to buy or install anything at all. Just use your phone as usual.

I have Myline service. Can I use A'lpha1?

Yes. You don't need to change your Myline service at all - just leave it as it is.

I have an ISDN (or ADSL) line. Can I use A'lpha1?

Yes. But for ISDN, when you register with us you must register both of your numbers if you have two - your main number and your 2nd (sub) number.

I have IP phone service. Can I use A'lpha1 also?

KDDI Metal Plus and NTT Hikari lines do not work with A'lpha1. If you use other IP phone services please check with your provider.

I have a prepaid mobile. Can I use A'lpha1?

No.

I have cable phone (from my cable TV company). Can I use A'lpha1?

There are many different cable phone companies in Japan, but most of them work with A'lpha1.

I have Yahoo!BB phone. Can I use A'lpha1?

Yes. Just enter the BB phone release code 0000 before your call.

Can I use A'lpha1 with my mobile phone? What are the rates?

Yes, you can use A'lpha1 on your mobile and save a lot of money. Please see our mobile phone rates page.

Can I join A'lpha1 with only a mobile phone?

Yes.

Can I send faxes with A'lpha1? What are the rates?

Yes. The rates are the same as for telephones - see our rates page.

I don't have a credit card. Can I use A'lpha1?

No. We only accept payment by credit card.

Can I use A'lpha1 from abroad?

No.

Can I use my Japanese mobile phone in other countries with A'lpha1?

No.

Can I call toll-free numbers abroad?

Yes, you can call most toll-free numbers abroad, but you will be charged.

Can I use A'lpha1 from public telephones?

No.

Will I get a separate bill from my mobile company for my A'lpha1 calls?

No. When you use A'lpha1 for domestic or international calls you don't get charged by your mobile company for those calls, nor do you use any of your mobile's monthly minutes. You can switch to your mobile company's cheapest calling plan to save more money. Talk longer for less with A'lpha1!

Is there some kind of basic fee I have to pay?

No, there are no basic fees or monthly charges. So if, for example, you go away on holiday and do not make any calls for 8 weeks, you pay nothing.

Is there anything else I have to pay besides the rates for my calls?

No. You pay only for your calls - nothing else. If you don't call, you don't pay.

How do I make a call using A'lpha1? (I haven't registered yet.)

First you must register your phone with us. See our Join Now page.

What number do I use to access A'lpha1 (it says "00xx" on the website)?

Your access number is included in the User Instructions that we mail to you when we finish setting up your new account.

I see the rate, but how much will I pay if I talk for 10 minutes?

It's simple to calculate. Just multiply the rate by the number of minutes you talk. There are no other charges at all. So if you talk for 10 minutes, your bill will be 10 times the rate. That's all.

Is there a different form or procedure for corporate applications?

No, there isn't. Please use our regular application form.

Do I have to put my email address on the application?

You don't have to include your email address but it will be helpful if we need to contact you. Also, when we finish registering your numbers we will email you right away, as well as posting information to you, so providing an email address lets you start using the service sooner.

Is my email address, credit card information, etc. safe with your company?

We do not send unnecessary marketing email or junk email to our customers, nor do we divulge customer information to anyone else. Please see our privacy statement for details.

When can I start using the service?

We will contact you by email when we finish registering your numbers. That usually means 1 or 2 working days after we receive an application. We also send new account information by post.

How will I be contacted when my new service is ready to use?

We will email you right away. We will also post your new account information to you. If you don't provide an email address with your application we will only post the information to you.

Can I make domestic calls on my mobile phone in Japan?

Yes.

What are the rates for domestic calls?

Please see our rates page.

Can I call to any phone in Japan?

Yes. You can call to all mobile (keitai) phones, PHS, and land lines (normal telephones).

When will I get my monthly statement?

Statements usually arrive near the end of the month for the previous month's calls. Statements are free.

Are A'lpha1 charges in Japanese yen?

Yes, they are.

What increments are calls charged in?

Calls are charged in 1-minute increments. So, for example, if you talk for 10 minutes the charge is simply 10 times the rate for that call.

Who do I contact if I have a question or problem?

Contact your Independent Representative (that's us, through this website) or A'lpha1 Customer Service in Tokyo. We also have online customer support.

Can I get all the help and information I need in English?

Yes.

How do I cancel my A'lpha1 service?

Just contact us through our website, or by phone, fax, email or mail.