Review by Patrick Avenell
While in Japan this week, Current.com.au has been updated and sent via an internet connection through a Global Advanced Communications rental Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot.
A week before leaving Australia, I rented the 3G to Wi-Fi hotspot from GAC, completing all the formalities on its website. For ¥6,100 (around AUD $75) for five days rental, you get unlimited access to a 3G network that covers a quoted 99 per cent of Japan.
Although the website appears poorly constructed, with some atrocious spelling implying incompetence or security frailties, the service from GAC has been great.
Once you booked and paid for the device over the internet, you get the choice of picking up the Pocket Wi-Fi device from the arrivals lounge at Tokyo (Narita) or Osaka (Kansei) airports, or arrange for it to be sent to your hotel for collection.
I opted for hotel collection to expedite movement from the arrivals departure, and the package was there waiting for me when I entered my hotel room.
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Battery life is okay: around 6 hours on a full charge. Charging itself can be via mains (4 hours) or USB connection to a computer (6 hours). You can connect up to five devices (such as tablets, smartphones or computers) at any one time, and connection itself requires only the entry of a 5-digit WEP code written on the back of the gadget.
To make returning the Pocket Wi-Fi easy, GAC includes a self-addressed post pack so you need only drop it back in and leave in a mail box at the airport when you leave.
Ultimately $75 for five days of connectivity is steep, but GAC is good value compared to roaming charges and its reliability is essential for people who like to stay constantly connected while travelling.
GAC also offers smartphone and tablet rentals.
The GAC device the author used in Japan was wholly paid for by Current.com.au.