Isolated by Losing Communication Means Due to Illness or Injury: 42% Refused Government Support Due to 'No Contact Information'

The existence of individuals unable to contract mobile phones in their own name due to arrears or forced cancellations has become a social issue. Previously, economic factors such as unemployment or reduced income were considered the primary causes. However, a recent survey of 604 users of 'Daredemo Smartphone' who experienced difficulties contracting mobile phones due to past arrears revealed that hardship triggered by health issues, rather than purely economic reasons, is occurring.

Sudden Illness or Injury as a Trigger: Health Issues Rank 3rd for Communication Hardship The direct trigger for difficulty paying mobile phone bills is not always poor household management or unplanned expenditures. When asked about the initial cause of their inability to pay mobile phone bills, 95 respondents cited 'their own illness or injury.' This was the third most common cause overall, following cases triggered by 'unemployment' and 'sudden expenses.' The data indicates that unexpected health impairments directly threaten the maintenance of communication, which is the foundation of modern life.

Isolation Caused by Not Wanting to Worry Others: 93% Could Not Consult Anyone in Panic The reality that it is difficult to ask for help when facing the crisis of illness or injury has been highlighted. According to the survey, of the 95 people who had difficulty paying mobile phone bills due to illness or injury, 88 people (93%) answered that they 'could not consult anyone.' The top reasons for not being able to consult others were 'did not want to worry people around me' and 'panicked, not knowing what to do,' tying at 26 people each. These numbers suggest that some individuals fall into a state of isolation without connecting to appropriate support. Panic caused by unexpected events and the psychological tendency to shoulder the burden alone hinder SOS signals to others, worsening the situation.

Turned Away Even at the Last Resort of Government Counters: 42% Faced the 'Phone Number Barrier' Unable to consult anyone, distressed individuals sought support at government counters. However, a 'barrier of communication means' due to the requirements of support systems awaited them. Of the 95 respondents who lost their mobile phones due to illness or injury, 40 people (42%) reported being refused procedures at government counters because they 'did not have a mobile phone.' Many government counters have operational rules requiring the entry of contact information (phone numbers) during procedures as a prerequisite for ongoing support. Therefore, even when individuals who lost communication means due to unavoidable circumstances visit these counters, a mismatch occurs where they cannot meet the requirements and fail to connect to support. A severe vicious cycle is occurring where the loss of a mobile phone blocks access to government support they should inherently receive.

The Barrier of 'Contact Information' to Connect with Support This survey revealed that losing communication means triggered by illness or injury can lead to an inability to connect with government support. Government counters often require the entry of contact information for continuous support. However, those who have already lost communication means cannot meet the requirements, causing a 'mismatch between the system and reality' where they fail to connect to support. Even in situations where support is originally necessary, the loss of communication means makes access to government support itself difficult, potentially prolonging the hardship. Building a system that allows those who unavoidably cannot have contact information to connect to necessary support is essential for future safety nets.

Survey Overview The survey period was from February 25 to March 4, 2026. It was conducted via questionnaire, with 604 valid responses. The survey targeted men and women who had experienced a period without a mobile phone.

'Daredemo Smartphone,' provided by Alalink Co., Ltd., is a service that allows individuals who have difficulty contracting a mobile phone due to past arrears to sign a contract as long as they have personal identification documents. By employing a unique screening process, it promptly provides the lifeline of communication and prevents social isolation. To date, it has supported a cumulative total of 110,000 people, supporting the first steps toward employment and reintegration into society for many.