Japanese mobile network operator Rakuten Mobile has commenced radio frequency testing for its 700 MHz spectrum, commonly referred to as the "platinum band." The telco is preparing to launch base station operations using the 700 MHz band, drawing on its expertise gained from building its virtualized Open RAN cloud-native mobile network in the 1.7 GHz band.
Also Read: Rakuten Mobile to Expand Network Using 700 MHz Spectrum
Spectrum Expansion and Testing
After completing radio frequency testing, the company aims for the early rollout of commercial services using the 700 MHz platinum band. This spectrum, allocated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, offers enhanced indoor connectivity, better indoor building penetration, and coverage in underground locations.
Rakuten Mobile plans to gradually deploy platinum band services using its existing network of base stations, starting with urban areas with a high volume of users and traffic, according to the official release.
Since the full-scale launch of mobile services in April 2020, Rakuten Mobile has continued to expand coverage through the build-out of 4G and 5G base stations, in addition to roaming agreements with its roaming partner, TelecomTalk reported.
Also Read: Rakuten Mobile 4G Coverage Reaches 98.4 Percent of Japan Population
Rakuten Mobile, Rakuten Symphony and Stage X Sign Partnership
In another development, Japan's Rakuten Mobile, Rakuten Symphony, and South Korean mobile network operator Stage X announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive framework for strategic collaboration in technology and business exchange between the companies. Stage X is the new greenfield mobile network operator preparing to provide 5G services in the 28 GHz spectrum.
Also Read: Rakuten Mobile Plans to Provide Satellite-to-Mobile Service in Japan
The agreement includes the sharing of industry knowledge and expertise from Rakuten Mobile, as well as the provision of telecom solutions from Rakuten Symphony, the official release said.
Additionally, the three companies will pursue cooperation considering expansion to mid-band frequency and the development of a 6G-based national network from a long-term perspective.
