Japan Announces Rakuten Mobile Platinum Band Allocation

 In a pivotal announcement, the Japanese government unveiled on Monday its decision to grant frequency slots in the coveted platinum band to Rakuten Mobile, marking a significant milestone for the fledgling carrier. 

This development is set to bolster Rakuten's 4G network and alleviate its long-standing connectivity issues, which have plagued the carrier since its launch in 2020. The allocated 700MHz slots, aimed at minimizing interference and expanding coverage, are expected to position Rakuten for more formidable competition against industry giants NTT Docomo, KDDI, and SoftBank. 

With plans to launch platinum band services by March 2026 and achieve overall profitability by the end of that fiscal year, Rakuten Mobile's future prospects seem notably brighter with this Ministry-approved base station plan. Previously reserved for the "Big Three" incumbent carriers, the Radio Regulatory Council's approval of Rakuten's allocation request opens the door to a promising year ahead, offering a potential game-changer in the telecom arena.