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New Contract vs Upgrade vs MNP vs Plan Change

Four procedures people mix up. A side-by-side comparison.

Last checked: 2026-08-29 (JST)Application methods and support options can change. Always check the latest official information before applying.

Four procedures, side by side

New Contract
Carrier
New
Number
Usually new
Device
Optional
Device Upgrade
Carrier
Same
Number
Same
Device
New
MNP
Carrier
Changes
Number
Kept
Device
Optional
Plan Change
Carrier
Same group
Number
Same
Device
Unchanged
Plan Change is not the same as MNPMNP changes your carrier and keeps your number. Plan Change keeps your carrier or brand group and only swaps the pricing plan. Different teams, different rules.

Changing plans within the same mobile group

Same company from the outside — different teams and rules inside.

Main brandFull store support, higher price
Online-focused planSame network, online procedures
Low-cost brand / sub-brandOwn shops or online, lower price
Moving between plans in the same mobile group is often possible, but the method and any fees depend on the specific services. Check the official pages before you rely on a particular route.

One plan can have several routes in

Direct online application

You sign up on the plan's website or app.

MNP switch-in

You apply as an MNP customer, keeping your number.

Plan change from an existing line

You already have a line in the same group and switch plan in the app.

In-store web assistance

Staff help you operate the online application. A fee may apply.

Some electronics-store counters

A limited set of shops may accept applications for certain brands.

One plan can have several routes in. Which routes are open — and whether they cost anything — changes over time.
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