Rakuten Mobile Launches Commercial Services Using 700 MHz “Platinum Band”

Tokyo, June 27, 2024 – Rakuten Mobile, Japan’s newest and most modern mobile network, today launched commercial services using the “platinum band” 700 MHz spectrum^*1 allocated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Leveraging the expertise gained by building its nationwide fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network based on Open RAN standards in the 1.7 GHz band, Rakuten Mobile has swiftly rolled out commercial services in the 700 MHz band^*2. Going forward, the company will continue expanding platinum band services using Rakuten Mobile's network of base stations, starting with remaining coverage gaps^*3.

In addition to deploying 700 MHz base stations, Rakuten Mobile will expand its 5G (Sub6) network coverage in the Kanto region up to 60% compared to January 2024 by year’s end, as measures preventing interference between mobile and satellite communications in shared bandwidth have been relaxed. Furthermore, the company is significantly improving its 5G network speed and stability through software upgrades for its nationwide network of 5G (Sub6) base stations, and expects to enable smoother transitioning between 4G and 5G through the optimization of base station parameters^*4. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to provide best-in-class mobile services, Rakuten Mobile continues to enhance the quality of its network through a range of initiatives. These include expanding and optimizing roaming areas in cooperation with its domestic roaming partner, developing shared base stations for subways, railway lines, railway tunnels and underground shopping centers, and continuing to expand its own 4G and 5G base station network.

Rakuten Mobile is committed to further enhancing its network quality so that customers can enjoy best-in-class mobile services anywhere in Japan.

Notes
^*1 Press Release: Notice Regarding Approval of Special Base Station Deployment Plan for 700 MHz “Platinum Band” Allocation (October 23, 2023) https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2023/1023_01.html
^*2 Press Release: Rakuten Mobile Commences Radio Frequency Testing for 700 MHz "Platinum Band" (April 30, 2024) https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/english/news/press/2024/0430_01/
^*3 Service expansion planned to start from Kanto region.
^*4 Press Release: Rakuten Mobile's 5G (Sub6) Traffic in Tokyo Grows 130%, Active Users Increase 50%, and Network Speed Doubles (June 27, 2024) https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/english/news/press/2024/0627_01/

*Product names and service names published in this press release are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Trademarks such as ^TM and ® may be omitted when trademarks are listed in this press release.

About Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile, Inc. is a Rakuten Group company responsible for mobile communications, centered on its mobile network operator (MNO) business. Through continuous innovation and the deployment of advanced technology, Rakuten Mobile aims to redefine expectations in the mobile communications industry in order to provide appealing and convenient services for diverse customer needs.