Updated October 13, 2026 · NomadCue Editorial Team
SoftBank vs Telcel
SoftBank
Higher score in this comparison
Telcel
Where SoftBank and Telcel differ
| Compare | SoftBankReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | TelcelReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | No | YesHas it |
| Networks | SoftBank | Telcel |
| Price from | ¥1,650 | Not confirmed |
| Countries covered | 1 | Not confirmed |
| Unlimited data | No | Not confirmed |
| Top-ups | No | Not confirmed |
Same on both: Seller type (Carrier).
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Key differences
- 5G: only Telcel.
- Networks: only SoftBank offers SoftBank.
- Networks: only Telcel offers Telcel.
- Founded is lower at Telcel: 1984 vs 1986.
- Features: only SoftBank offers Carrier plan.
- Features: only Telcel offers 5G.
Our verdict on each
SoftBank
SoftBank's travel SIM is a local Japan plan sold by the carrier itself at ¥1,650, so it suits a short trip that stays in the country. It is a single-market buy with 5G and top-ups missing and help limited to a help centre.
Telcel
Telcel centers on the Telcel network with 5G among its features for everyday mobile use. It works as a carrier choice for buyers who prefer a clearly named network and who will confirm phone support plus coverage around home, work and frequent routes before choosing.
Score breakdown
| Area | SoftBank | Telcel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.7 | Not confirmed |
| Offer | 8.2Price is ¥1,650 and coverage is 1, so the offer suits local trips rather than multi-country travel. | 8.8Higher |
| Trust | 9.8 | 9.8 |
How they place
| Ranking | SoftBank | Telcel |
|---|---|---|
| Travel SIMs and eSIMs | 403 of 926 | 789 of 926 |
| Travel eSIMs | 408 of 918 | 789 of 918 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | SoftBank | Telcel |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Local | Not confirmed |
| Features | Carrier plan | 5G |
| Audience | Short trip | Not confirmed |
| Legal entity | SoftBank Corp. | Radiomovil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V. |
| Headquarters | Japan | Mexico |
| Founded | 1986 | 1984Lower |
| Support channels | Help centre | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | SoftBank | Telcel | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | ¥1,650highest quarter | Not confirmed | ¥840 |
| Countries covered | 1lowest quarter | Not confirmed | 120 |
Median across 492 listed travel providers.
Pros and cons
SoftBank
Pros
- A carrier plan from SoftBank Corp., the operator behind the network, rather than a third-party seller.
- Built for short trips, so the plan matches a quick holiday rather than a long stay.
- An established operator, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Japan.
Cons
- Coverage is 1, so the SIM is dead the moment you fly somewhere else.
- On countries covered it ranks 257 of 303, among the narrowest reach on the site.
- The ¥1,650 start ranks 208 of 313 on price, so entry cost is mid-table rather than a bargain.
Telcel
Pros
- Operates as a carrier connected through the Telcel network
- Includes 5G as part of its feature set
Who each suits
SoftBank
Who it suits
- Travellers on a short Japan trip who want the local operator's own network.
- Anyone whose itinerary stays inside a single market and prefers buying from the carrier.
Who should look elsewhere
- Multi-country trips: Zwitchy covers 200 against SoftBank's 1.
- Price-first shoppers: eSIMGo.is starts at $0.99 against SoftBank's ¥1,650.
- Long stays that need more data: the plan is built for a short trip, so weigh Zwitchy instead.
Telcel
Who it suits
- People who prefer carrier supplied service
- People who want 5G capability included
Current offers
SoftBank
Current offer
Bonus
Get Additional Data For Free (1GB to 3GB): 1GB to 3GB
Prepaid SIM for Travel data allowance, running since March 2018
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | SoftBank | Telcel |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Yes | No |
Questions about each
SoftBank
What does the SoftBank travel SIM cost?+
Plans start at ¥1,650. You are buying from SoftBank Corp. as a carrier, so the price comes from the operator rather than a travel reseller or marketplace. Compare that with eSIMGo.is at $0.99 if the entry price is what decides it.
Does the SoftBank travel SIM include 5G?+
5G is not included, so the plan is not aimed at buyers shopping for a 5G eSIM. It runs on the SoftBank network, which is enough for maps and browsing on a short trip. Anyone who treats 5G as a requirement should check alternatives before buying.
Telcel
What does Telcel offer?+
Telcel functions as a carrier linked with the Telcel network for everyday mobile use. 5G forms part of its feature set. That combination shapes this option for buyers reviewing network sourced choices.
Who is this carrier option for?+
This option fits buyers who prefer carrier supplied service with a clearly named network. It also fits buyers who value 5G capability as part of daily use. Checking phone compatibility and expected coverage helps align the choice with habits.
Other options to compare
SoftBank
Telcel