Rakuten Mobile, a global, leading, cloud-native, artificial intelligence (AI) mobile network operator (MNO), has chosen Nokia, Cisco, and F5 as deployment partners for its 5G standalone (5G SA) mobile network. This is a significant milestone in Rakuten’s vision to deliver intelligent, cloud-native mobile connectivity across Japan through a modular, software-defined architecture.Â
Sharad Sriwastawa, co-CEO and CTO of Rakuten Mobile, said, ” Rakuten Mobile disrupted the industry in 2019 with the world’s first end-to-end, cloud-native, virtualized mobile network built on Open RAN. Today, we’re accelerating our evolution towards fully autonomous network operations. Through the power of 5G, AI, and strategic partnerships with leading innovators like Cisco, Nokia, and F5, we are empowering customers in Japan with state-of-the-art, secure, and sustainable mobile connectivity. We are setting a new global benchmark for intelligent, cloud-native mobile networks, meeting the dynamic needs of both consumers and enterprises, and solidifying our position as a leading global innovator.”
Nokia will offer a suite of cloud-native network functions (CNFs) for Rakuten’s SA core, such as authentication, user data management, signaling, analytics, and IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) voice. The CNFs will be running on the Rakuten Symphony multi-cloud platform which is a base foundation for network reliability, scalability, and security.Â
Further, the collaboration is a commitment made by Rakuten Mobile regarding the Open RAN ecosystem and a move away from full-stack vendor models. Instead of depending on integrated infrastructure providers, Rakuten continues with a best-of-breed strategy, assembling specialised components to power its mobile network.
Henrique Vale, Vice President, Cloud and Network Services APAC, Nokia, said, “Nokia’s expertise in 5G technology, coupled with our portfolio of industry-leading solutions, will enable Rakuten Mobile to deliver customized 5G services. This groundbreaking deployment illustrates how Nokia makes it easy for customers to reliably and securely use our products on the cloud CaaS (communications-as-a-service) platform of their choice.”
Rakuten Mobile will also deploy Cisco’s mobile Packet Core Portfolio as the foundation for the next phase of its network services evolution in Japan. The company is also partnering with F5 to enhance the security and expands 5G coverage and SA core network. This collaboration is an industry-first showcase of F5’s BIG-IP Next Cloud Native-Network Functions for its Gi/N6 LAN services integrated into the Cisco mobile Packet Core portfolio.
Rakuten Mobile Expands 5G Coverage in Underserved Areas
Additionally, this announcement was made when Rakuten Mobile revealed that it has significantly increased its 5G (Sub-6) network reach in underserved areas throughout Japan. The company has increased radio capacity for 5G base stations since January 2025 in the Kyushu, Okinawa, Shikoku, and Chugoku regions, with coverage in Okinawa doubling compared to December 2024. Yamaguchi Prefecture saw a surge by 40%, while target areas elsewhere saw gains of up to 10%.
The expansion also features enhanced indoor connectivity in large commercial facilities and enhanced infrastructure sharing for major public spaces. Some notable improved sites are Konoha Mall in Fukuoka City, Egao Kenko Stadium in Kumamoto City, and Minamoa/Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate in Hiroshima City.
Rakuten Mobile attributes the expanded footprint in part to the easing of regulatory constraints that previously limited radio transmission output in shared mobile-satellite frequency bands. With those restrictions removed, the company has also enhanced signal strength in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, further enhancing transitions among 4G and 5G service.