linksmate.jp

What It Is

LinksMate（リンクスメイト） is a Japanese MVNO mobile service, not an email or enterprise SMS API platform. It offers three types of SIM plans—data, SMS, and voice—across standard SIM, microSIM, nanoSIM, and eSIM formats. Its positioning is very clear: low-cost mobile plans, game-data discounts, and in-game perks for mobile gamers in Japan.

Core Features and Performance

Its standout feature is the “カウントフリーオプション,” a 550 yen/month add-on that reduces counted data usage for eligible games, content, and social networks by more than 90%. Even when the line is throttled, eligible traffic can still maintain high-speed access. Coverage uses NTTドコモ-related network areas: with the 5G option enabled, users get 5Gエリア + Xiエリア; without it, coverage is Xiエリア + FOMAエリア. Advertised performance is up to 988Mbps downlink and 131.3Mbps uplink at high speed. Low-speed limits are 200kbps for plans under 30GB and 1Mbps for 30GB and above, but the site clearly states these are not guaranteed real-world speeds and may vary depending on device, location, signal conditions, and congestion.

Pricing and Access

Plan granularity is very fine, ranging from 100MB to 1.5TB across many tiers. Data-only plans start at 165 yen/month, SMS + data plans start at 297 yen/month, and voice + SMS + data plans start at 517 yen/month, going up to around 49,852 yen/month. Standard voice calls cost 22 yen/30 seconds, MatePhone calls cost 11 yen/30 seconds, and the 10-minute unlimited-calling option is 935 yen/month. Domestic SMS costs 3–33 yen per message to send and is free to receive. Payment methods are credit card or LP payment.

Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For

The strengths are its huge range of plan choices, no minimum usage period, free 5G option, and deep integration of mobile service with in-game perks for titles such as 《赛马娘》 and 《碧蓝幻想》. The downsides are that the rules are relatively complex: game collaborations require a plan of 2GB or higher plus a カウントフリー subscription, while monthly perks generally require 15GB or higher. For some high-capacity plans, part of the data allowance is issued as additional data tickets, so users need to watch the validity period. LinksMate is suitable for mobile gamers living in Japan and individual users who need voice/SMS/data SIMs. It is not suitable for businesses looking for email delivery, SMS verification-code APIs, or a global communications platform.

China Access and Alternatives

The text does not provide information on access from China, cross-border purchase, or Chinese payment methods, so China accessibility is unknown. Chinese users who only need mobile connectivity should first consider domestic carriers, international roaming, or travel eSIMs. Those who need email/SMS APIs should choose a dedicated cloud communications or email service provider.