We would like to express our deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by the disaster. We know that the situation continues to be very precarious, and we pray from the bottom of our hearts that everyone is safe. We hope you have a safe and cold winter and sincerely wish for your earliest recovery.

Let's learn about "Wi-Fi that can be used in times of disaster

"00000JAPAN"has been introduced on TV and the Internet, and has become well known to many people. Even at the time of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, many people spread information about "00000JAPAN" on SNS. However, on the other hand, there were some posts that may cause misunderstanding among those who are going to use the service.

In this article, we would like to reiterate the information about "00000JAPAN" and other free Wi-Fi in times of disaster so that you will not be in a panic when it comes time to use it.

For a basic introduction to free Wi-Fi services in times of disaster, please refer to this article as well.

Free Wi-Fi related services available in times of disaster
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"00000JAPAN" is an emergency Wi-Fi initiative that transcends carrier barriers and provides a common SSID

"00000JAPAN" is a cross-company initiative to open public wireless LAN services to the public under a common network name (SSID) "00000JAPAN" in the event of a disaster or large-scale communication failure.

For example, d Wi-Fi is usually provided with SSIDs such as "0000docomo" and "0001docomo," and a d account is required to use this Wi-Fi. However, when this 00000JAPAN is applied, Wi-Fi is provided under the SSID "00000JAPAN" in the event of a major disaster or communication failure, and anyone can use it at this time without having to make advance preparations such as registering for a d-account, etc. Not only d Wi-Fi, but also the Wi-Fi services of cell phone companies Wi-Fi services of mobile phone companies as well as d Wi-Fi. Even those who are not normally able to use the service, such as members-only services, can use 00000JAPAN only during disasters or communication failures.

It is also important to know about the free Wi-Fi services available to anyone at municipalities and commercial facilities, as many Wi-Fi services do not require registration for use in the event of a major disaster or communication failure. This is sometimes referred to as the "free Wi-Fi disaster mode".

The use of 00000JAPAN and free Wi-Fi in disaster mode is limited to spots provided by companies and municipalities that have prepared in advance. Although often misunderstood, this is not an initiative to make Wi-Fi available in places where Wi-Fi was not available before. Rather, it is an effort to ease the conditions of use of Wi-Fi spots that are normally available.

Therefore, please be aware that you will not be able to use free Wi-Fi everywhere because of a disaster or communication failure.

Here are some frequently asked questions in Q&A format.

Q1. Can I use 00000JAPAN and Disaster Mode free Wi-Fi at home?

It cannot be used.

Please note that Wi-Fi will not suddenly become available at your home.

Q2. Where can I use 00000JAPAN?

Basically, you can use it at Wi-Fi spots such as d Wi-Fi that carriers usually provide.

In addition, in order to be able to use 00000JAPAN in the event of a disaster or communication failure, it is necessary for each mobile carrier to switch over. Therefore, it is not necessarily available at all mobile carrier spots.

However, once "00000JAPAN" is launched, existing Wi-Fi facilities such as access points can be used without modification, making it much faster and easier to use than having to make support preparations and install Wi-Fi from scratch after a disaster.

It is a good idea to know where public Wi-Fi is available on a regular basis.

Q3. Can I use 00000JAPAN and Disaster Mode free Wi-Fi immediately after a disaster strikes?

Generally, they can be used after the provider changes the settings.

00000JAPAN will not become available immediately upon the occurrence of a disaster or other large-scale communication disruption. It takes time to confirm the status of the disaster and the magnitude of the impact, and for the mobile carriers to change the settings. It may take half a day to a day.

On the other hand, if there are no problems with equipment or lines, Wi-Fi at that spot can be used as usual. Therefore, while "00000JAPAN" is a useful initiative, it is much faster to start connecting to the Internet if you make advance preparations such as registering to use free Wi-Fi in your neighborhood on a regular basis.

For disaster prevention, it is more effective to use free Wi-Fi applications such as Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect on a regular basis and register for services such as dWi-Fi and au Wi-Fi.

Q4: Can I use the service even if there is a power outage?

Basically, it cannot be used, but there are places where it can be used exceptionally.

If the facility where Wi-Fi is installed experiences a power outage, it will not be able to supply power to the access points, so basically it cannot be used.

However, some spots are equipped with UPS (uninterruptible power supply) in anticipation of such an eventuality. In addition, some public facilities such as city halls are equipped with their own power generators so that electricity is available even during power outages. In such places, Wi-Fi may be available.

訪日旅行者が増えてます！ やっぱりフリーWi-Fiってあったほうがいい？
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Q5. Can I use it even if the fiber-optic line is disconnected or the line equipment is broken?

It depends on the type of line, but in many cases it is difficult to use.

To use Wi-Fi, you also need a "communication line to the access point" called a backhaul. For example, if the backhaul is an optical fiber line, it cannot be used if the cable is disconnected or if the base station itself is damaged by the disaster.

On the other hand, there is also Wi-Fi where the backhaul is a mobile line. In this case, since the free Wi-Fi signal uses a mobile line, the "usable" and "unavailable" situations are almost the same as for cell phones. If there is a breakdown at the base station, it will become unusable, and if there is a concentration of safety calls, it may become congested and difficult to get a connection.

In the Noto Peninsula earthquake, there were many damages such as broken lines and damaged base stations that will take time to recover. Under such circumstances, some telecommunication companies are providing satellite broadband communications as backhaul lines to support the affected areas.

令和６年能登半島地震に伴う支援について：データ通信などの支援について | KDDI株式会社

Q6. When can I use the service?

It is useful when you are outside the disaster area or when you evacuate for a long period of time.

When your home is affected by the disaster and you cannot connect to the Internet, or when mobile lines are congested and unavailable, there are sure to be many situations where it would be helpful to be able to use Wi-Fi at nearby stores and facilities where you can ensure your safety.

Also, depending on the restoration situation, you may have to rely on the mobile communication of your smartphone for Internet use for an extended period of time. If free Wi-Fi can be used in combination in these cases, it will be economically helpful.

Be aware of public Wi-Fi and multiple means of communication on a regular basis.

There is no one reliable means of communication that can be used in all situations. However, if users understand the various means of communication, their locations, and their backgrounds, they should be able to use them more conveniently in any situation.

We do not know which will be restored first, the optical fiber line or the mobile line. There is even a possibility that neither will be available for a while. In such a case, you may be able to rely on radio broadcast information.

In the event of a disaster, how will each service work, and what can be done if they do not work? Knowing the various methods will broaden your options. Familiarize yourself with public Wi-Fi on a regular basis, and be aware of where it is and how to use it. In preparation for disasters, rather than waiting for 00000JAPAN to be activated, you will not be confused if you remember the information introduced in this article.

Free Wi-Fi related services available in times of disaster
https://www.ntt-bp.net/column/en/blog/2022/05/post-53.html