More low-cost options for smartphones

2016年10月27日

Intermediate

 
Pre-reading questions:

  1. What is the difference between an expensive phone and a cheaper one aside from the price?
  2. Based on your monthly telephone bills, is having an expensive or a cheap phone model worth it?

 
In Japan, companies are offering low-cost smartphones to everyone with specific type of data. Comsumers may choose a contract that suits their budget. They can be charged up to 20 yen for 30 seconds for a call charge. NTT Docomo Inc., KDDI Corp. and SoftBank Group may charged consumers up to 7,000 yen with unlimited phone calls and a transmission volume of 5 GB.

“Though transmission speeds become slow sometimes, I’m satisfied with the service as my monthly payment fell to below half.” Said 43-year-old male company employee in Ota Ward, Tokyo. The research institute had foreseen that the number of subscription of 65.5 percent will increase to double in two years.

Some smartphones will have problems with the connection due to transmission methods. Consumers buy smartphones priced from ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 when they want to change carriers. Buying iPhone 7 and 7 plus of Apple, Inc. is also another option. After buying those models, people can choose low-cost carriers.
 
Vocabulary:
offer – give
foresee – anticipate
unlimited – boundless
institute – establishment
transmission – to send
 
True or False:

  1. In Japan, companies are offering low-cost smartphones to specific people with specific type of data.
  2. People can be charged up to 200 yen for 30 seconds for a mail charge.
  3. All smartphones will have problems with the connection due to transmission methods.
  4. Consumers buy smartphones priced from ¥20,000 to ¥50,000.

 
Comprehension Questions:

  1. According to the article, can a consumer choose a contract that suits their budget? How much does a phone costs in your country?
  2. Name the companies mentioned in the article.
  3. How much is the charge for a 30-second call?
  4. Give the price range of smartphones.

 
Express Your Opinion:

  1. Based on your monthly telephone bill, is having your current model of smartphone worth it?
  2. In reality, do people need smartphones and gadgets in their lives? Explain.
  3. If you were to become a president of a telecommunications company, would you offer much cheaper data packages to your consumers? Expound your answer.