Rakuten Inc. is pushing back the full launch of its mobile services to April 2020 from the planned October rollout due to delays in installing its network base stations, The Japan Times reported.
The company said in a Sept. 6 statement that to ensure the stability and quality of its service and improve the network based on customer feedback, it will initially open applications to 5,000 subscribers through a program that will run until March 31, 2020. The program will offer voice and data services free of charge. Rakuten said the program will be expanded in waves to connect more users to its network.
Currently, Rakuten Mobile Inc. offers services by renting the use of NTT Docomo Inc.'s and KDDI Corp.'s networks. It will gradually shift to its own mobile network from October. To cut the costs associated with building a new network, Rakuten is making use of cloud-based software and commoditized hardware instead of proprietary wireless radios. However, it has run into delays due to difficulties in securing the necessary land.
Rakuten, which filed an application to become Japan's fourth mobile operator in February 2018, is taking on incumbents NTT Docomo, KDDI and SoftBank Corp.
