"I was paying a small fortune every month," Kate explains. "And for what? A limited data plan and shocking charges if I had to make a long call to a parent about a student. It felt inflexible and outdated."
Everything changed when a colleague mentioned they had switched to Rakuten Mobile. Intrigued by the promise of significant savings and extra perks, Kate decided to do her own homework. What she found on their website was compelling enough to make the switch. The result? It wasn't just a small saving; it was a complete overhaul of how she viewed her mobile plan.
The End of Costly Calls
One of the first things Kate noticed was the freedom that came with the Rakuten Link app. As a teacher, clear communication with parents is essential. Previously, she would watch the clock during important phone calls, conscious that every minute was adding to her bill.
"Now, I can call parents and have a proper, unhurried conversation without worrying about the cost. It's all free with the app," she says. "It's a professional benefit I never expected from a mobile carrier."
This perk extended to her personal life, too. Kate's sister lives in Canada, and their weekly calls used to be a significant expense. With Rakuten Mobile, she can now call her sister for free, making it easier than ever to stay connected with family across the globe. When she visited for summer vacation, the free 2GB of monthly overseas data was a lifesaver for navigating and staying in touch.
Earning While Spending: The Power of Points
Like many teachers, Kate often buys classroom supplies and educational books out of her own pocket. Her go-to online store has always been Rakuten Ichiba. After switching her mobile plan, she was thrilled to discover she now earned 5 times the Rakuten Points on all her purchases.
"It was a game-changer," she shares with a smile. "I'm buying things I was going to buy anyway, but now I'm accumulating points so much faster. I use those points to get discounts on new books for my students or even to help pay my phone bill. It feels like I'm being rewarded for being a smart shopper."
More Than a Plan, It's a Lifestyle Upgrade
The savings didn't stop there. Ms. Sato found that her new plan came with a host of lifestyle benefits that replaced other small expenses. She no longer buys magazines at the convenience store, as she gets three free ones every month through the service. The 50GB of free cloud storage with Rakuten Drive meant she could stop paying for a separate subscription to back up her teaching materials and personal photos.
For Kate, switching to Rakuten Mobile was more than just a financial decision. It was a step towards a smarter, more integrated lifestyle where her mobile plan works for her, not against her. "My monthly bill is now a fraction of what it used to be," she concludes. "But it's the added value—the free calls, the extra points, the perks—that has made the biggest difference. I recommend it to all my colleagues. When you're on a teacher's salary, every yen counts, and Rakuten Mobile helps you save in ways you wouldn't expect."