#Japan #5G Network #Fujitsu #Kawasaki #Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten Mobile Partners with Fujitsu to Enhance 5G Infrastructure

In a major move towards enhancing digital connectivity, Rakuten Mobile, Japan's cutting-edge mobile network operator, has announced an exciting partnership with Fujitsu. This collaboration aims to accelerate the expansion of its fifth-generation (5G) network by deploying sophisticated base stations that utilize Fujitsu's advanced radio units (RUs). The aim is to significantly enhance the reach and efficiency of Rakuten's mobile services across Japan by 2025.

A Shift to Virtualized Networks

Rakuten Mobile is not just any mobile service provider; it has revolutionized the mobile network landscape by adopting a fully virtualized, cloud-native architecture based on Open RAN standards. This modern approach enables rapid deployment of 5G Sub6 base stations — those that operate within the sub-6 GHz frequency range. As Rakuten Mobile continues to expand its coverage, the new radio units from Fujitsu will play a crucial role in this ambitious rollout.

The specific model being deployed, the RU 44R21, conforms to the O-RAN specifications developed by the O-RAN ALLIANCE, a global collective focused on fostering the development of Open RAN technology. Not only does this ensure interoperability among various telecom equipment vendors, but it also provides Rakuten Mobile with the flexibility to diversify its equipment choices, ultimately reducing reliance on single suppliers and mitigating potential risks in the supply chain.

Compact, Efficient, and Energy-Saving

What stands out about the RU 44R21 is its compact, lightweight design that boasts energy-efficient capabilities. Fujitsu's proprietary technology ensures that these radio units not only occupy less physical space but also contribute to lower operational costs for Rakuten Mobile. This is a vital consideration in today’s competitive telecom industry, where operational efficiency is directly tied to profitability.

Furthermore, the RU facilitates seamless communication between the distributed unit (DU) and the centralized unit (CU) of the base station through its fronthaul interface. This ensures that Rakuten Mobile can provide a seamless and reliable user experience, which is essential for achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.

Global Presence at MWC Barcelona

The RU 44R21 will also be on display at the upcoming MWC Barcelona 2025, which is set to be the world’s largest connectivity exhibition, occurring from March 3 to 6, 2025. This provides an excellent platform for Rakuten Mobile and Fujitsu to showcase their innovative solutions to a global audience, promoting the vast potential of Open RAN technologies to telecommunications providers around the world.

Future Collaborations Ahead

Moving forward, Rakuten Mobile is committed to leveraging its pioneering virtualization technologies along with its extensive base station infrastructure. This will enable the company to significantly reduce the lead time from construction to operation of new base stations, leading to more cost-effective deployment strategies.

In addition, Rakuten Symphony, a subsidiary of Rakuten, is expected to work hand-in-hand with Fujitsu to explore future collaborations. The goal is to accelerate the global rollout of cutting-edge radio units and further drive the adoption of Open RAN technology on an international scale.

As both companies move forward with this strategic partnership, the implications extend beyond just Japan. With 5G connectivity being a crucial aspect of global digital transformation, Rakuten Mobile and Fujitsu aim to set a benchmark that other telecommunications companies may look to follow, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and excellence in the tech space.