Rakuten Mobile is reshaping Japan’s mobile roaming strategy with KDDI as it accelerates 5G network independence. For VoIP providers and business communications users, this shift could impact coverage quality, call reliability, mobile VoIP performance and rural connectivity as Rakuten balances infrastructure expansion, spectrum investment and customer experience before 2026’s transition
Rakuten Mobile is testing smart surveillance using edge AI at Kobe’s Noevir Stadium to boost public safety and ease network load. Partnering with AWL and Vissel Kobe, the initiative processes video locally for faster response and reduced costs. It aims to create a flexible AI system for use in venues ranging from stadiums to remote areas.
Rakuten Mobile posted its first quarterly EBITDA profit, signaling progress in its greenfield strategy despite wider net losses. The telecom unit’s revenue rose nearly 11 percent, and subscriber growth continued. Positive EBITDA and reduced losses hint at a potential turnaround for the ambitious, cloud-native network operator within Rakuten Group’s evolving telecom push.
Rakuten Mobile is making waves with its groundbreaking collaboration with Fujitsu to accelerate 5G network expansion in Japan. By incorporating Fujitsu’s energy-efficient 44R21 radio units, Rakuten Mobile is poised to enhance Sub6 network coverage quickly.
Rakuten Mobile launches “Rakuten AI for Business,” a Generative AI solution designed for Japanese corporate environments, enhancing tasks like document creation and translation with ease. Featuring robust language processing and seamless web browser access, it’s both efficient and affordable.
Rakuten Mobile is amplifying its presence in the U.S. to push Open RAN forward, a key focus of the NTIA’s Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. This move aims to strengthen the telecommunications supply chain and foster competition in the wireless sector.
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.
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.
Rakuten Symphony and VIVA Bolivia are advancing cloud-native network modernisation with Open RAN, OSS, AI-driven operations and digital platforms. The partnership could accelerate VoIP services, mobile innovation, customer experience and flexible telecom growth, positioning Bolivia as a key market for next-generation communications and software-based operator transformation across Latin America today
