The installation visit: what happens and what to arrange

Written by Internet in Japan editorial team · Updated 3 October 2026 (each source's check date is listed at the end of the page)

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Before the visit, get the building owner's permission if the work needs it, and make sure someone who can decide where the equipment goes will be home. GMO Tokutoku BB Hikari says the work on the day takes about one to two hours.

  1. Ask the management company whether the work is allowed, including any drilling or cabling on the outside wall
  2. Choose a date, remembering that weekend and holiday visits cost extra
  3. Make sure someone who can decide where the equipment goes is home for the visit
  4. Connect a device and check the internet works before the technician leaves
Getting ready for the installation visit, step by step

Building permission comes first

For au Hikari's house service in a rented home, the building owner has to consent before installation. You are expected to explain the work and get consent before KDDI calls about possible installation dates (about one to three weeks after you register), and au provides an explanation sheet for owners.[1]

Sakura Fiber Internet says its Japanese-speaking staff will confirm the installation conditions with your landlord or management company for you.[2]

Get the permission in writing or by email if you can, including whether drilling is allowed.

Who has to be home, and weekend costs

docomo Hikari and SoftBank Hikari need someone present who can decide where the equipment is placed. au Hikari needs someone present for both house and apartment installations.[1][3][4][5]

A technician visit on a weekend or public holiday costs extra: ¥3,300 with GMO Tokutoku BB Hikari, ¥3,300 with docomo Hikari, ¥3,300 with au Hikari and ¥3,300 with Sakura Fiber Internet. GMO does not discount this charge.[1][6][7][8][9]

What the technician does

For au Hikari's house service, the technician runs fibre from the nearest utility pole and fits an optical socket in the room. GMO Tokutoku BB Hikari says it normally does not drill a new hole, and uses an existing entry point such as a phone-line conduit or an air-conditioner duct; the work takes about one to two hours.[1][6][10]

Sakura Fiber Internet says installation is done by an NTT-contracted technician and in most cases only adds a wall port without drilling. In some buildings no visit is needed at all: docomo Hikari and SoftBank Hikari both mention cases where you simply connect equipment sent to you.[3][4][11]

The router and the start of billing

The Wi-Fi router is separate from NTT's fibre box (ONU). GMO Tokutoku BB lends a Wi-Fi router free of charge; Sakura Fiber Internet includes a TP-Link router with the 1 Gbps plan, which you keep; au Hikari sends equipment that you connect yourself.[1][6][11]

With au Hikari and KDDI's own internet provider (au one net), the monthly fee starts the day after you connect the equipment, or about one week after installation if you never connect it.[1]