Rakuten Mobile to promptly start operating Open RAN-compatible 700 MHz band base stations utilizing virtualization technology and existing base station sites
Rakuten Mobile, Inc., announced that it will deploy base stations using mobile network radios developed by Nokia Solutions & Networks G.K. in the 700 MHz band, also known as the “platinum band,” which was allocated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on October 23, 2023. Leveraging the expertise gained by building the world’s first fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network compatible with Open RAN, Rakuten Mobile aims to promptly start operating base stations in the 700 MHz band.
Nokia’s mobile network radio which Rakuten Mobile will deploy are small, lightweight and energy efficient. By using a next-generation Distributed Unit (DU) developed by Rakuten Mobile subsidiary Rakuten Symphony, Rakuten Mobile will be able to easily deploy the radio in its virtualized, Open RAN network. As a result, the newly deployed antenna compatible with 1.7 GHz band and 700 MHz band will be deployed alongside the existing 1.7 GHz radios, allowing the base stations to operate promptly by updating the software. Rakuten Mobile will deploy base stations cost-effectively by shortening the lead time between additional construction and operation utilizing its unique virtualized network technology and existing base station sites.
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- Image of the antenna and radio
Platinum band has the unique ability to maintain strong signal even in the presence of obstacles like buildings or when indoors. Rakuten Mobile aims to realize a high-quality mobile network and maximize customer satisfaction by optimally combining its allocated 700 MHz platinum band with its existing 4G and 5G frequency bands and roaming, as well as expanding the deployment of its platinum band cost-effectively, starting with urban areas with a high volume of users and traffic.
In addition, Rakuten Symphony will collaborate with Nokia to provide the radios to Rakuten Symphony customers in select markets around the world.
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“Rakuten Mobile is thrilled to partner with Nokia to deploy platinum band services across our nation-wide network that will bring even higher-quality mobile service to our customers in Japan. We will continue striving to provide high-quality mobile services to our customers,” said Sharad Sriwastawa, Co-CEO of Rakuten Mobile.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, commented, “We are pleased to support Rakuten Mobile in enhancing their 4G network. Utilizing the 700 MHz band will improve the user experience, especially indoors and our industry-leading “AirScale”*2 portfolio can support network construction across any frequency band.”
Rakuten Mobile is committed to further enhancing its network in Japan and to providing customers with high-quality communication services, while continuing to accelerate the deployment of virtualized Open RAN networks around the world.
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