Samsung's Cutting-Edge O-RAN Compliant 5G Radios for Rakuten Mobile

Samsung Introduces O-RAN Compliant 5G Radios for Rakuten Mobile

On March 3, 2026, Samsung Electronics announced the implementation of its Open RAN (O-RAN) compliant 5G radios by Rakuten Mobile. This strategic partnership aims to support Rakuten Mobile's nationwide rollout of a fully virtualized cloud-native 5G network, showcasing the integration of advanced AI and the acceleration of network openness. Both companies have conducted extensive testing and validation, with commercial deployment anticipated within the year.

Background of Samsung's Selection by Rakuten Mobile

Samsung has established itself as a leader in the large-scale commercial deployment of virtualized radio access networks (vRAN) and O-RAN technology. The O-RAN compliant radios from Samsung enable seamless integration into Rakuten Mobile’s network, exemplifying the reliability of O-RAN in a multi-vendor environment.

Providing massive MIMO radios tailored for various frequency bands including low-band (700 mHz), mid-band (1.7 GHz), and high-band (3.8 GHz), Samsung's solution optimizes the installation process. The compact and lightweight radios simplify deployment on buildings and utility poles, enhancing capacity even in densely populated urban settings. Additionally, the advanced massive MIMO radios designed by Samsung optimize power consumption, accelerating Rakuten Mobile’s network capabilities and ensuring high-speed 5G connectivity even in crowded areas.

Sharad Sriwastawa, Co-CEO and CTO of Rakuten Mobile and President of Rakuten Symphony, expressed, “Rakuten Mobile continuously strives to provide the highest standards of mobile services. We are committed to expanding our 5G footprint and improving network quality. Collaborating with Samsung, a leader in Open RAN, will not only accelerate the deployment of 5G in Japan but also promote global Open RAN expansion.”

Samsung's Vice President and Head of Network Business Division’s Strategic Marketing Team, Angelo Jeongho Park, commented, “We are honored to partner with Rakuten Mobile. Together, we will pursue a leading telecommunications environment, showcasing our commitment to new partnerships and solidifying our leadership in Open RAN. Our joint efforts to harness AI and promote network openness will undoubtedly lead to further advancements.”

Pioneering 5G Integrated Solutions

Samsung's network business has become a pioneer in delivering integrated 5G solutions, encompassing chipsets, radios, and core systems. Through ongoing research and development, Samsung is driving industry evolution, presenting innovative products from dedicated RAN, vRAN, Open RAN, AI-RAN, to core equipment, private networks, and AI-driven automation tools and applications. This innovation not only propels 5G networks into the future but also lays the groundwork for communication technologies beyond 6G.

Currently, Samsung caters to hundreds of millions of users worldwide, providing seamless connectivity through groundbreaking network solutions designed for mobile operators. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like those between Samsung and Rakuten Mobile are crucial in shaping the future of telecommunications, setting new standards for speed, reliability, and user experience in an increasingly connected world.

Conclusion

Samsung’s venture into collaboration with Rakuten Mobile marks a significant step toward advancing 5G technology while fostering an environment for innovative solutions. As both companies gear up for commercial deployment, the spotlight is on their commitment to delivering next-generation mobile services that cater to an ever-growing user base. This initiative illustrates the potential of strategic partnerships in navigating the rapidly changing field of telecommunications.