In a groundbreaking development, Rakuten Mobile, in partnership with Nokia, has successfully conducted a trial demonstrating the capability of transmitting data at a rate of 1 terabit per second (Tbps) over a single wavelength. This trial spanned an impressive distance of 820 kilometers across both subsea and terrestrial networks in Japan, setting a new benchmark in the Asia Pacific region for this level of data transmission.
In an ambitious move to enhance mobile connectivity across Japan, Rakuten Mobile has announced its plan to offer satellite-to-mobile services by 2026, partnering with AST SpaceMobile. This initiative aims to leverage AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular broadband network, enabling direct access to smartphones for text messaging, voice, and data services.
Rakuten’s new alliance with OpenAI aims to dissect opportunities in generative AI to enhance various business sectors they serve globally. This partnership promises to expand existing AI experiences in ChatGPT products and foster premium AI conversational possibilities. Yet, some recent whispers suggest a performance drop in GPT-3.5, leading to theories about its overall commercial intent. Will generative AI become a privilege of the financially potent? This question merits careful consideration.
Telephone company Veon has announced a significant infrastructure initiative with Rakuten Symphony, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s telecommunications framework. This strategic move will involve an extensive roll-out of Open RAN enabled 5G networks, forming the backbone for new digital services. Veon’s $600 million commitment signals confidence in Open RAN’s transformative potential and Rakuten’s proven commercial implementation acumen.
Japanese mobile operators KDDI and Rakuten Mobile forge a new roaming agreement to boost network coverage, enhance connectivity, and reduce financial burden while streamlining 4G infrastructure utilization and 5G network rollout.
Two Japanese companies, Rakuten Mobile and NEC Corporation, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote Open RAN in mobile telecommunications markets worldwide. The MoU is based on Rakuten’s current partnership with NEC, where NEC supplies 5G radio equipment to the operator. The pair is also jointly working on developing a Rakuten standalone 5G core. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Rakuten Mobile and NEC will continue to expand their local collaboration to provide 5G and 4G radios and engineering services for Open RAN systems that are compliant with O-RAN specifications. These services will be applicable to markets worldwide and will boost the global development of the Rakuten Communications Platform (RCP). RCP is Rakuten Mobile’s fully virtualized and containerized cloud-based mobile network platform, enabling telecom businesses to station virtual networks rapidly and inexpensively. Tareq Amin, executive vice president and CTO at Rakuten Mobile, said: “Rakuten…
AT&T takes a significant leap forward in its plans to offer satellite direct-to-phone services following the finalization of commercial terms with low Earth orbit (LEO) operator AST SpaceMobile. The agreement sets the stage for AT&T to provide non-terrestrial network (NTN) coverage through SpaceMobile’s constellation until 2030. Although a firm launch date for SpaceMobile’s network is yet to be confirmed, AT&T anticipates the delivery of the first commercial satellites to Cape Canaveral this summer.
In a recent development, the Japanese government has passed a significant amendment to longstanding telecom regulations, marking a pivotal moment for NTT, the country’s telecom giant. The amendment, announced by NTT on Wednesday, encompasses several key changes, including the liberation from R&D information sharing obligations and the allowance for non-Japanese directors on its board.
Metazoa pioneers AI in Salesforce with their Intelligent Assistant, enhancing administrative capabilities. HP wows with its Spectre Fold, a versatile $5,000 three-in-one device. Japan’s blockchain AI market skyrockets, set to grow by 24.2% CAGR thanks to government support, business adoption, and venture capital investments. Lastly, Emoji 15.1 introduces fresh icons, including headshakes, a phoenix, and more.
Dutch telecom company Veon is adjusting the course of its Russian sector, VimpelCom’s, management buyout, initially agreed for $2.1 billion. The transaction now fully hinges on VimpelCom absorbing part of Veon’s debt – a method born from necessity as sanctions hamper Russian financial institutions. This strategic exit is further complicated by EU sanctions on Russia’s National Settlement Depository inhibiting interest collection on Veon’s Eurobonds.
