In recent years, there has been an increase in seismic activity and landslides caused by torrential rains. Therefore, disaster preparedness is becoming increasingly important.
In addition, events such as large-scale communication failures of cellular phones may occur, which may disrupt our daily lives.

In this issue, we will introduce a free Wi-Fi called "00000JAPAN" that can be used in times of disaster or communication disruption.

Please refer to the following article for more information on free Wi-Fi services that are useful in times of disaster, including "00000JAPAN".

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

What is "00000JAPAN"?

"00000JAPAN" is a public wireless LAN service that Japanese mobile carriers such as docomo, au, and Softbank offer free of charge in times of disaster.

This "00000JAPAN" was first offered after the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016.

During the 2016 disaster in Japan, a large number of people acted in unison to try to reach each other. As a result, phone lines were difficult to connect and internet lines were busy.

It would be a problem if people wanted to confirm their safety or gather information but could not connect to the Internet easily.

In such times of disaster, "00000JAPAN" can be useful.

In places where "00000JAPAN" is available, you will be able to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi unconditionally. This will make it easier to gather information, contact someone, or call "110" or "119" for a rescue request.

In addition, it helps reduce cell phone congestion.

It also helps alleviate situations where cell phone calls and e-mails are concentrated and difficult to connect.

In the next section, I will explain how to use "00000JAPAN.

How to use "00000JAPAN"? Where can I use it?

Anyone can use "00000JAPAN" easily, regardless of their mobile carrier.

To use it, simply select "00000JAPAN" from the list of networks on your smartphone's Wi-Fi screen and connect.

You can connect immediately without authentication such as a password or email address registration.

There is no limit to the time or number of times you can use the service.

The "00000JAPAN" service is available in the vicinity of access points where mobile carriers' Wi-Fi and free Wi-Fi are provided.

It may also be available at temporary access points installed at evacuation centers.

In May 2023, the guidelines were revised so that "00000JAPAN" can be used not only in the event of a disaster, but also in the event of a large-scale communication failure.

The activation status of "00000JAPAN" can be checked at the following website.

Related link：災害用統一SSID 00000JAPAN (ファイブゼロジャパン)について
https://www.wlan-business.org/customer/introduction/feature

"00000JAPAN" is not the only free Wi-Fi that will be opened in the event of a disaster. Free Wi-Fi that normally requires registration for use may also be available without registration in times of emergency.

NTTBP'sprovides news releases on free Wi-Fi that is open to the public free of charge in the event of a disaster. In addition to NTTBPservices, you can also check NTT Docomo's "00000JAPAN" and other NTT Group's free Wi-Fi openings, so please make use of this information.

※For the earthquake that occurred on February 13, 2021, there are no access points where "00000JAPAN" is in effect as of February 16, 2021.

2021年2月14日　東北地方を中心とした地震に伴う公衆無線LANの開放について～福島県、宮城県、栃木県エリア等～
https://www.ntt-bp.net/articles/2021/02/lan613wi-fi.html

What should I be careful when using "00000JAPAN"?

Anyone can use "00000JAPAN", but because it does not require a password or authentication, you must be careful about security.

While it is easy to use, there is a possibility that someone with malicious intent may pretend to be "00000JAPAN" and set up a spoofed Wi-Fi.

In addition, unencrypted sites (those that begin with "http" and do not have a key mark in the address bar) can be intercepted.

For this reason, you should refrain from exchanging information that contains personal information, such as online shopping using a credit card.

The following article explains more about "spoofed Wi-Fi" and how to use free Wi-Fi safely.

Related link：フリーWi-Fiって危険じゃないの？安全に使うには
https://www.ntt-bp.net/column/blog/2020/12/post-11.html

Please use it with caution.

Let's use "00000JAPAN" in an emergency, and everyone should give and take care of each other!

In places where many people gather, such as evacuation centers, the use of "00000JAPAN" may be concentrated.

If many people use the service, the Internet connection will be crowded and the speed will slow down. If it gets even more crowded, some people may not be able to connect to Wi-Fi.

In times of disaster or communication failure, everyone is in trouble.

Therefore, first of all, prioritize what is absolutely necessary, such as safety confirmation and information gathering. Refrain from playing games or watching heavy videos, and use "00000JAPAN" in a cooperative manner with others!

Let's check free Wi-Fi spots and mobile carriers' Wi-Fi spots on a regular basis in case of emergencies!