Best Network Innovation: Rakuten Mobile (Asia Pacific telecom service provider winners 2022)

Summary

Network innovation is reshaping the telecom landscape, with Asia Pacific operators moving from traditional radio access networks (RAN) to fully virtualised network infrastructure. This report spotlights Rakuten Mobile’s approach to network transformation, examining how its greenfield deployment and end-to-end automation—from RAN to core—are influencing service creation, operational efficiency, and cost structures. The report explores Rakuten Mobile’s strategy in building a fully virtualised mobile network, its competitive positioning against established Japanese telecom providers, and the significance of its acquisition of Altiostar and the launch of Rakuten Symphony in the context of the Open RAN ecosystem. Readers will gain insight into the drivers behind virtualisation in telecom networks, the challenges and opportunities of deploying cloud-native architectures, and the broader implications for Asia Pacific telecom service providers. Key questions addressed include: What makes Rakuten Mobile’s network innovation unique in the region? How does virtualisation impact network automation and service delivery? What role does Open RAN play in the future of telecom infrastructure? The report also situates Rakuten Mobile’s achievements within the wider context of Asia Pacific telecom innovation, providing a comprehensive overview for industry professionals, technology strategists, and decision-makers seeking to understand the future of network infrastructure and the evolving competitive landscape.