The recent surge in 5G expansion by Rakuten Mobile in Japan represents a significant step forward in advancing the capabilities and reach of modern telecommunications. The company has marked a tremendous milestone by achieving a 110% increase in 5G coverage in the Kanto region, far exceeding its initial goal of a 60% expansion for the year 2024. This development not only demonstrates Rakuten Mobile’s commitment to broadening its coverage but also reflects the dynamic nature of regulatory and technological advancements that the company has leveraged.
Enhancing Network Capabilities Through Innovation
Impressive Growth in Kanto Region
In the Greater Tokyo Area, superseding expectations has been the hallmark of Rakuten Mobile’s recent achievements, with the Kanto region witnessing a stunning 110% increase in 5G network coverage since January 2024. This remarkable expansion, driven by strategic software upgrades, bolstered the traffic capacity of Rakuten Mobile’s 5G base stations, helping to accommodate the increasing demand. Changes in regulations, which allowed for enhanced radio transmission output, further propelled this growth by easing restrictions on interference between mobile networks and satellite communications within shared frequency bands. The combined effect of these initiatives is evident in the region’s improved network performance and reliability.
Addressing Technical and Regulatory Challenges
Rakuten Mobile implemented a series of complex adjustments and innovations to achieve this extraordinary 110% expansion. By enhancing the traffic capacity of its 5G base stations through software improvements, the company managed to increase efficiency and performance without the need for extensive hardware changes. Concurrently, regulatory shifts played a significant role in the expansion by facilitating higher transmission outputs, mitigating interference issues, and optimizing spectrum utilization. Such regulatory modifications were crucial for overcoming technical and logistical challenges, highlighting the importance of policy support in telecom advancements.
Expanding Beyond Kanto: Nationwide 5G Progress
Deploying Advanced Features in Major Regions
Not limited to the Kanto region, Rakuten Mobile has replicated similar advancements in major regions like Nagoya and Osaka, where 5G traffic per cell has increased, and base station capacities have been fortified to deliver superior network quality. Since the commercial launch of its 5G services in September 2020, Rakuten Mobile has successfully established 17,494 outdoor 5G base stations across Japan’s 47 prefectures by September 2024. Over 80% of this extensive network utilizes Massive MIMO technology, benefiting from a fully virtualized, cloud-native infrastructure built on Open RAN principles. Such an architecture offers a significant advantage, allowing for seamless deployment of advanced features like beamforming in Massive MIMO through mere software updates.
Future Plans and Regional Expansion
Rakuten Mobile’s future plans underline its commitment to continuing its 5G network expansion across different regions, with a specific focus on Kyushu and Okinawa, starting in January 2025. By further broadening its footprint, the company aims to bring high-quality 5G services to more users, enhancing connectivity and user experience nationwide. In 2023, Rakuten Mobile began offering commercial services using the “platinum band,” a 700 MHz spectrum allocated by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. This band specializes in superior indoor building penetration and underground connectivity, promising substantial improvements in network availability in challenging environments. The company’s ambitious objective includes operating 10,661 specific base stations within this 700 MHz band by March 2033.
Long Term Strategic Focus
Rakuten Mobile’s recent expansion of its 5G network in Japan marks a pivotal advancement in telecommunications. In the Kanto region, the company achieved an impressive 110% increase in 5G coverage, a remarkable feat that far exceeds its initial goal of a 60% expansion set for 2024. This milestone showcases not only Rakuten Mobile’s dedication to broadening its network reach but also highlights the ever-evolving landscape of regulatory and technological advancements that the company has adeptly navigated. Rakuten Mobile’s ability to surpass its ambitious targets underscores its innovative approach and commitment to enhancing connectivity and service quality.
This aggressive expansion aligns with global trends, as 5G technology continues to revolutionize the way we communicate, work, and engage with digital services. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Rakuten Mobile is not just improving network coverage; it is setting new standards in the industry. This expansion will likely catalyze further developments and competitive moves among other telecom providers, ultimately benefiting consumers with wider and more reliable 5G access.
