Rakuten Mobile, Inc.

Co-CEO Sharad Sriwastawa shares the inside story of Rakuten Mobile's journey, from launch challenges to profitability. He also touches on the marketing and operational strategies that made it possible, and outlines three main goals for 2025: sustainability, automation, and data monetization.

Rakuten Mobile FY2024 Earnings Highlights 📈  2024 was a year of progress, growth and firsts for Rakuten Mobile. EBITDA Profitability Milestone: In December 2024, Rakuten Mobile achieved monthly EBITDA profitability for the first time since our launch, recording 2.3 billion yen. Revenue Growth: Revenue increased 26.2% year-on-year, hitting 283.9 billion yen, driven by subscriber growth and higher data ARPU. Subscriber Base Expansion: Total subscribers reached 8.3 million in December 2024, a net increase of 1.77 million over the previous year.  Notably, MNO (B2C) line openings in Q4 2024 grew by 38.1% year-on-year, far outpacing the 15.6% YoY growth in Q1. For more details check out the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/e_w2UaeM

Introducing "Rakuten AI for Business,” a powerful new GenAI service for corporate clients. Featuring superior language comprehension and task processing capabilities, Rakuten AI for Business quickly displays the most suitable responses to user requests and supports a wide range of business tasks such as document creation, translation, brainstorming, analysis and research via a chat interface. Read the full release here: https://lnkd.in/gHWnt5AG #RakutenMobile #GenerativeAI #RakutenAI

Today, Rakuten Mobile joined NTT, KDDI Corporation and SoftBank Group Corp. for joint training on shared refueling stations in Kanagawa Prefecture. The initiative is a key step toward ensuring we can restore communication networks quickly and reliably during large-scale disasters – keeping people connected when it matters most. Moving forward, the companies will continue to work together toward the early recovery of communication networks during disasters, building a more resilient and connected future for all. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dhvWR8TN

[Breaking] Rakuten Mobile will support the commercial deployment of open radio units (RUs) developed by leading U.S.-based vendors - including Battelle Memorial Institute, MTI (Microelectronics Technology Inc.), Eridan Communications and Airspan Networks - as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s project to advance Open RAN development. Having built a nationwide Open RAN network in Japan, Rakuten Mobile will collaborate with RU vendors to assist in the verification and integration processes required for commercial deployment, as well as support proof-of-concept trials. By leveraging our pioneering Open RAN tech and fostering collaboration, we’re committed to driving the adoption of Open RAN networks across the United States! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjCcwUvZ

How does Japan’s newest and most modern mobile network keep improving? From AI automation to expanding 5G coverage, Hiroshi Takeshita, Vice CTO of Rakuten Mobile, offers an in-depth look into the key factors driving Rakuten Mobile’s remarkable growth from a newcomer to leading player in Japan’s telecom industry. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ey8dc4xh #RakutenMobile #Telecom #OpenRan #AI

Introducing Rakuten Mobile AI Assistant 2.0, a new way to access customer support anytime, anywhere. ⚡ This 24/7 AI-powered chat service lets you book in-store appointments, sign up for the Rakuten Saikyo Plan and get answers to your questions. Plus, it's available to everyone – even if you don't have a Rakuten ID – offering personalized, convenient support. Looking ahead, Rakuten Mobile is committed to expanding its AI-powered services to ensure all our customers can benefit from the latest AI-driven innovations. Check out the full announcement here:  https://lnkd.in/gp6HR7Dp

Rakuten Mobile is proud to join forces with NTT Group, KDDI Corporation and SoftBank Group Corp. to launch a new cooperative framework for rapid restoration of networks during large-scale disasters. In a press conference today, the companies shared details on the collaboration including shared use of key assets such as refueling stations, deployment of base station-equipped ships and enhanced coordination between mobile and fixed-line operators. Together, we aim to ensure the swift recovery of communication networks to support affected communities. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g3m7_jcJ

Rakuten Mobile has ranked first in the 2024 Oricon Customer Satisfaction Survey of Mobile Carriers for the second year straight.🏆 We secured the top spot in seven out of nine categories, earning the overall first-place ranking for the third time following 2021 and 2023, and leading the Pricing Plans category for the fourth consecutive year. A heartfelt thank you to all our customers for your continued trust and support! Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gUuaMsRP

Opensignal reports that Rakuten Mobile has accelerated new subscriber wins from other Japanese mobile operators since the beginning of 2024 due to 5G network deployment and coverage improvements 📈 Insights shared at Telecom World Asia showed Rakuten Mobile's Consistent Quality score improved significantly from 2023, and its Japan market share grew from 10.6% in 2023 to 18% in 2024. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gsrfVYxp