Tokyo, October 29, 2018 – Rakuten Mobile Network, Inc. today announced that it has started discussions with Hokuriku Electric Power Company on the use of its transmission towers, utility poles, telecommunication towers and other infrastructure for establishing a network of base stations for its Mobile Network Operator (MNO) business.
Rakuten Mobile Network received approval from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for its 4th generation mobile communications system (4G) (1.7 GHz band) special base station deployment plan in April 2018 and is now preparing for the launch of its business as an MNO in October 2019.
The company plans to make use of Hokuriku Electric Power’s transmission towers, utility poles, telecommunication towers, and other infrastructure in and around three prefectures in the Hokuriku region it serves for Rakuten Mobile Network’s base station locations.
Rakuten Mobile Network is aiming to invest in base station infrastructure in the most efficient way possible and will consider collaborations with other electric utilities in order to achieve Japan-wide service coverage, as it prepares for entry into the MNO business.
October 29, 2018
- Rakuten Mobile Network, Inc.
Rakuten Mobile Network to Utilize Hokuriku Electric Power Company Infrastructure for MNO Base Stations
Use of transmission towers, utility poles, telecommunication towers, and other equipment will allow for efficient infrastructure investment