Rakuten Mobile Network announced that it has started discussions with Hokuriku Electric Power Company on the use of its transmission towers, utility poles, telecommunication towers and other infrastructure for establishing a network of base stations for its Mobile Network Operator (MNO) business.
Rakuten Mobile Network received the green light from the government in April to become Japan's fourth major wireless carrier alongside with NTT Docomo, KDDI and SoftBank. The Operator is now preparing for the launch of its business as an MNO in October 2019.
The company plans to make use of Hokuriku Electric Power’s transmission towers, utility poles, telecommunication towers, and other infrastructure in and around three prefectures in the Hokuriku region it serves for Rakuten Mobile Network’s base station locations.
Rakuten Mobile Network is aiming to invest in base station infrastructure in the most efficient way possible and will consider collaborations with other electric utilities in order to achieve Japan-wide service coverage, as it prepares for entry into the MNO business.
