What Rakuten Mobile does

Rakuten Mobile, Inc. (楽天モバイル株式会社) is Japan's fourth mobile network operator (MNO) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE:4755). Launched as an MVNO in October 2014 and transitioning to full MNO status in April 2020, it operates the world's first fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network built on Open RAN architecture — deploying 100,000+ radio stations across the country with AI embedded into the software stack from inception. As of December 25, 2025, the company surpassed 10 million subscribers, 5 years and 8 months after commercial launch, and achieved its first full-year EBITDA profit of JPY 12.9 billion (~$85 million) in 2025, recovering from minus JPY 53.8 billion the prior year.

The core consumer offering is the Rakuten Saikyo Plan (unlimited data on the Rakuten network), extended through the Rakuten Saikyo U-NEXT bundle (mobile + U-NEXT streaming at 3,880 yen/month from October 2025), Rakuten Hikari fiber broadband and Rakuten Turbo 5G home router, with original devices including Rakuten Hand smartphones, Rakuten WiFi Pocket routers and Rakuten Casa small cells. The enterprise portfolio spans the AI-enabled Netcracker Digital BSS platform, Cloudflare Zero Trust MSSP services and Rakuten AI for Business generative AI; government and public-sector customers rely on Rakuten for JAPAN Roaming emergency service and disaster-response agreements. Beyond connectivity, Rakuten Symphony commercializes the proprietary Open RAN platform globally to other operators.

The business model rests on recurring subscription revenue from a 10M+ subscriber base, cross-sell into the Rakuten Group ecosystem of 70+ businesses serving 45-46 million monthly active users, and an emerging platform-licensing arm via Rakuten Symphony. Direct distribution spans 1,000+ Rakuten Mobile shops nationwide (flagship stores in Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Sendai, Kyoto, Fukuoka), the Rakuten Ichiba marketplace, the corporate website and partner retailers (Yodobashi Camera, BIC Camera). Capital structure is reinforced by a 2024 Macquarie-led sale-and-leaseback transaction that raised over JPY 170 billion while retaining operational control, alongside 2026 capex of JPY 200 billion earmarked for network expansion and quality.

Name

Rakuten Mobile

Legal name

Rakuten Mobile, Inc. (楽天モバイル株式会社)

Website

https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Rakuten Mobile is Japan's fourth mobile network operator and a Rakuten Group subsidiary, operating the world's first fully virtualized cloud-native Open RAN network serving 10M+ consumer, enterprise and government subscribers across Japan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mobile Telecommunications

NAICS

Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112)

SIC

Radiotelephone Communications (4812)

akta.pro primary industry

Consumer Mobile Network Operators (Retail MNOs) (HDAIAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Enterprise & B2B Mobile Network Operators (HDAIAAAB), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Mobile Operators (HDAIAAAG)

Keywords

• Mobile network services
• Wireless telecommunications
• Cloud-native network
• Open RAN platform
• Mobile broadband

Headquarters

HQ city

Setagaya

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Mobile Service Subscriptions: Monthly subscription fees from consumer and business mobile plans including Rakuten Saikyo Plan and Rakuten Saikyo U-NEXT. The company achieved first full-year EBITDA profitability of JPY 12.9 billion in 2025, recovering from minus JPY 53.8 billion the prior year.
2. Handset and Device Sales: Sale of smartphones, mobile Wi-Fi routers, and other devices through Rakuten Mobile shops, website, and partner retailers
3. Platform Licensing via Rakuten Symphony: Rakuten Symphony commercializes Rakuten's proven Open RAN platform and software stack to other telecom operators globally. Revenue fell 18.9% to JPY33.9 billion though it achieved its first-ever operating income profit.
4. Ecosystem Revenue Synergy: Mobile division drives higher engagement across Rakuten's ecosystem of 70+ business lines, contributing approximately JPY 250 million in advertising revenue while keeping acquisition costs structurally below lifetime value

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Rakuten Mobile is Japan's fourth mobile network operator (MNO), providing 4G/5G mobile voice and data services to consumers and businesses nationwide on the world's first fully virtualized cloud-native network built on Open RAN architecture. The company offers mobile plans (Rakuten Saikyo Plan, Rakuten Saikyo U-NEXT), fixed wireless broadband (Rakuten Turbo), fiber (Rakuten Hikari), original devices (Rakuten Hand, Rakuten WiFi Pocket, Rakuten Casa), and enterprise services including Zero Trust managed security and Rakuten AI for Business. Rakuten Symphony commercializes the Open RAN platform to other operators globally.

Product overview

Rakuten Mobile operates as a Japanese mobile network operator (MNO) offering a comprehensive mobile and broadband service portfolio built on a world-first fully virtualized cloud-native Open RAN network. The product portfolio centers on the Rakuten Saikyo Plan (core mobile service with tiered pricing), complemented by Rakuten Hikari (fiber broadband) and Rakuten Turbo (5G home router). Value-added services include Rakuten Saikyo U-NEXT (mobile + streaming bundle with U-NEXT), Rakuten Link (free domestic calling app), Rakuten AI for Business (enterprise AI), and parental control service 'あんしんコントロール'. The company also offers original devices including Rakuten WiFi Pocket routers, Rakuten Hand smartphones, and Rakuten Casa small cells. Rakuten Mobile WiFi Spot extends connectivity with public Wi-Fi access, while JAPAN Roaming provides nationwide emergency roaming. The Rakuten Mobile Partner Program enables co-creation with enterprises and governments, and the company is launching Direct-to-Device satellite services with AST SpaceMobile in Q4 2026.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rakuten Symphony: Subsidiary providing Open RAN platform, OSS/BSS and automation solutions to other operators globally
• Rakuten Link
• Rakuten WiFi Pocket
• Rakuten Hand
• Rakuten Casa

Products and services

• Rakuten Saikyo Plan Rakuten Mobile's main mobile service plan offering unlimited data usage in Rakuten's network coverage area, with tiered pricing based on data consumption, targeted at individual consumers in Japan.
• Rakuten Saikyo U-NEXT Combined mobile and streaming package offering unlimited data and unlimited streaming access to U-NEXT's content library of movies, anime, dramas, magazines, and books for 3,880 yen per month.
• Rakuten Turbo 5G home router service providing fixed wireless broadband connectivity for residential customers in Japan, recognized as No. 1 in Japan's home router customer satisfaction survey (Oricon).
• Rakuten Hikari Fiber optic broadband service offered by Rakuten Mobile for residential customers in Japan.
• Rakuten Senior Senior-focused mobile plan and service brand with simplified pricing and features designed for elderly customers in Japan.
• Rakuten Zero Trust Managed Security Service MSSP offering delivering Cloudflare's Zero Trust and Network Security services as a one-stop managed solution to Japanese corporate clients, combining Cloudflare's global cybersecurity infrastructure with Rakuten Mobile's regional network expertise.
• Rakuten AI for Business Enterprise generative AI service offered by Rakuten Mobile to business customers for AI-powered business operations.
• Anshin Control (あんしんコントロール) Parental control service featuring web filtering, SNS monitoring, and location tracking for family safety on mobile devices.
• Rakuten WiFi Pocket Rakuten Mobile's original mobile Wi-Fi router product line, including models like Rakuten WiFi Pocket 2B featuring up to 10 hours of continuous communication and support for up to 16 connected devices.
• Rakuten Hand Rakuten Mobile's original compact smartphone featuring eSIM capability and Rakuten ecosystem integration.
• Rakuten Casa Small cell solution for improving indoor and localized cellular coverage in stores and offices.
• Rakuten Symphony Open RAN Platform Rakuten Symphony commercializes Rakuten's proven Open RAN platform, OSS/BSS and automation solutions to other telecom operators globally. Revenue of JPY 33.9 billion in 2025 with first-ever operating income profit.
• Direct-to-Device Satellite Services Planned satellite direct-to-device services in Japan with AST SpaceMobile, expected to launch in Q4 2026, targeting expanded coverage in mountainous regions and remote islands.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20% RAN energy conservation through AI-driven autonomous operations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability10 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• ANTA (AI-Native Telco Accelerator)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026Founding operator partner of ANTA (AI-Native Telco Accelerator) alongside Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Axiata. Initiative backed by TelecomTV, GSMA, Wind River, Totogi, and others to help CSPs scale AI deployment.
• MavenircoreTechnology or Integration · 29 April 2026Mavenir's Converged Packet Core deployed live on Rakuten Cloud Platform enabling Japan's nationwide emergency roaming service JAPAN Roaming launched April 1, 2026. Cloud-native solution supports emergency voice calls, text messaging, and data services across carriers.
• Netcracker TechnologycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2026Extended partnership for AI-enabled cloud-native Digital BSS platform supporting nationwide 4G/5G network. Partnership enables automated customer journeys, integrates with Rakuten Points loyalty program, and simplifies operations for rapid service scaling. Collaboration since 2019.
• Samsung ElectronicscoreTechnology or Integration · 4 March 2026Samsung supplying Open RAN compliant 5G radios including low-band, mid-band, and Massive MIMO solutions for nationwide network expansion. Commercial deployment expected to begin 2026. First major engagement with Rakuten Mobile.
• NokiacoreTechnology or Integration · 3 March 2026Deployed Nokia's cloud-native IMS and SDM Core as part of network infrastructure enhancement. Also part of Nokia's Network as Code ecosystem with over 75 partners collaborating on network APIs.
• Dell TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 25 February 2026Deploying PowerEdge XR9700 ruggedized outdoor server for Cloud RAN and edge AI workloads. First closed-loop liquid-cooled weather-resistant outdoor x86 server supporting up to 15 5G sectors. Launch customer for global availability in H2 2026.
• JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026Selected by JAXA for space technology development project involving dynamic frequency sharing between satellite and terrestrial networks. Project aims to develop AI-powered seamless handover technology with funding up to ¥11 billion ($71.9 million) over five years (March 2026–March 2031).
• IntelcoreTechnology or Integration · 10 February 2026Strategic collaboration to embed AI directly into vRAN operations leveraging Intel FlexRAN reference software, vRAN AI Development Kit, and Xeon 6 processors. Targets enhanced spectral efficiency, automated RAN operations, optimized resource allocation, and reduced energy consumption.
• 1Finity (Fujitsu)coreTechnology or Integration · 3 February 2026Deployment of 1Finity's massive MIMO Open RAN radios at scale powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing QRU100 platforms operating at 3.7 GHz. One of first commercial-scale O-RAN compliant mMIMO radio rollouts in the industry.
• CloudflarecoreTechnology or Integration · 24 April 2025MSSP partnership to deliver Zero Trust as a managed service to Japanese corporate clients. Rakuten Mobile offers Cloudflare's Zero Trust and Network Security services as one-stop managed solution.
• EstmobcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 October 2021Acquired South Korean firm Estmob, known for its Send Anywhere file transfer service, to bolster R&D presence and develop integrated platform products. Leverages Estmob's technology and team to enhance Rakuten Symphony's internet and ecosystem services worldwide.
• AST SpaceMobilecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to launch direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services in Japan with AST SpaceMobile in Q4 2026. Rakuten Mobile retains 27,980,155 shares after selling 3,040,000 shares for approximately $270 million in April 2026. JAXA selected Rakuten Mobile and University of Tokyo for satellite-terrestrial frequency sharing R&D with up to ¥11 billion funding.
• Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and IndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMETI backing Rakuten Symphony's open RAN trial across seven countries in Global South to demonstrate benefits of open RAN and RIC technology for future commercial deployment.
• University of TokyocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research with University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering on satellite-terrestrial 5G integration technology. Developing AI-enhanced technology for direct satellite-to-mobile communications including dynamic frequency sharing protocols and interference mitigation.
• Airspan NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationSelected to supply Open RAN compliant radios for nationwide deployment in Japan, supported by NTIA grants. Marked industry's first commercial Open RAN deployment in Japan demonstrating ecosystem maturity.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• NTT DOCOMO: Japan's largest mobile network operator with ~85M subscribers and full 4G/5G coverage; directly competes with Rakuten Mobile in the consumer MNO market and is also a co-signatory of JAPAN Roaming emergency service.
• KDDI (au): Japan's #2 mobile operator (au brand) with ~60M+ mobile subscribers; direct competitor in retail MNO, fixed/fiber (au HIKARI), and also partner in JAPAN Roaming emergency service with Rakuten Mobile.
• SoftBank Corp: Japan's #3 mobile operator and the speed leader per Ookla Q3 2025; competes directly with Rakuten Mobile in consumer MNO and also a JAPAN Roaming partner, with overlapping enterprise and 5G ambitions.
• Reliance Jio: India's disruptive greenfield 4G/5G operator that leapfrogged incumbents with a low-cost, digital-first, ecosystem-bundled model — the closest analog globally to Rakuten Mobile's strategy of low-priced plans, vertical integration, and adjacent digital services.
• Dish Network / EchoStar: US greenfield 4G/5G MNO built on a virtualized Open RAN cloud-native architecture (similar to Rakuten Mobile) for Boost Mobile; useful peer for benchmarking greenfield Open RAN economics, capex intensity, and ramp trajectory.

Broad incumbents

• Deutsche Telekom: Europe's largest integrated telecom operator and co-founding partner of ANTA alongside Rakuten Mobile; comparable as a large incumbent pursuing AI-native network operations and Open RAN, and a potential Symphony platform customer.
• Vodafone: Global telecom operator collaborating with Rakuten Mobile/Intel on Xeon 6 / Open RAN modernization and participating in GSMA Open Gateway; comparable as a large incumbent deploying AI-native, Open RAN architectures across multiple markets.

Emerging players

• Mavenir: Open RAN software vendor whose Converged Packet Core is deployed live on Rakuten Cloud Platform; comparable as a fellow Open RAN/cloud-native ecosystem participant (and partly competitive with Rakuten Symphony's OSS/BSS layer).
• 1Finity (Fujitsu): Supplies Massive MIMO Open RAN radios at scale into Rakuten Mobile's network powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing; comparable as a fellow Japanese-headquartered Open RAN infrastructure supplier in the same ecosystem.
• Airspan Networks: Selected to supply Open RAN compliant radios for Rakuten Mobile's nationwide deployment (industry's first commercial Open RAN deployment in Japan); comparable as an Open RAN radio vendor with overlapping customer profile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/rakuten_mobile
• YouTubeyoutube.com/rakuten
• Facebookfacebook.com/RakutenMobile
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rakuten-mobile
• Instagraminstagram.com/rakuten_mobile

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rakuten Mobile