Rakuten and Qualcomm Technologies Lay Foundation for a 5G-Ready Mobile Network Across Japan by Utilizing the Latest in Small Cells

Rakuten Plans to Deploy a Disruptive Next Generation End-To-End Cloud-Native Mobile Network with Small Cells, Based on Qualcomm FSM Small Cell Platforms, as a Key Component

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated and Rakuten Mobile Network, Inc.announced that Rakuten plans to use Small Cell infrastructure products, based on Qualcomm FSM™ Small Cell Platforms, as a key component of Rakuten’s new mobile network expected to be rolled out across Japan.

As a global leader in internet services, providing more than 1.2 billion members around the world with services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications, Rakuten is utilizing its experience and expertise as an IT company to construct a new disruptive, fully virtualized end-to-end cloud-native mobile network from the ground up. By deploying small cell products that utilize FSM Small Cell 4G Platform, Rakuten has access to the industry leading small cell technology, supporting advanced LTE features and a roadmap towards 5G-NR via the FSM Small Cell 5G Platform.

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At the launch of their service on October 2019, Rakuten plans to utilize small cells to reduce site acquisition and deployment cost and to provide indoor capacity where it is needed to support their subscribers, while establishing a clear path to scale infrastructure and services as the industry moves to 5G. Unburdened by legacy costs associated with 2G and 3G, Rakuten will be able to benefit from network virtualization and small cells from the start and thereby create a network that can be scaled easily and deliver on the promise of 5G experiences to subscribers.

“We are very excited to work with leading technology leaders such as Qualcomm Technologies as we advance towards realizing our vision of creating the world’s first end-to-end cloud-native mobile network,” said Tareq Amin, chief technology officer of Rakuten Mobile Network, Inc. “Small Cells play a key strategic role in our network buildout, and by utilizing devices that incorporate Qualcomm Technologies’ technology, we will be able to cost-effectively increase network coverage, capacity and quality and provide our subscribers with a superior mobile experience.”

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“By designing a new mobile network with small cells as a key component, and with 5G-readiness in mind, Rakuten can intelligently deliver 4G LTE and 5G performance where it is needed to bring enhanced experiences for their subscribers,” said Rahul Patel, senior vice president and general manager, connectivity and networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We are very pleased to be working closely with an innovative and forward-thinking company like Rakuten on such a disruptive project.”

4G LTE Small Cells are planned to be deployed across Japan, utilizing FSM9016, providing high performance data/voice services for new subscribers indoors. As the industry ramps to 5G, Rakuten expects to deploy small cells that utilize FSM100xx to introduce 5G infrastructure for indoor and outdoor applications, pending approval of its application for a 5G license with the Japanese government.

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