Rakuten Mobile adds 20,000 participants to free trial, ahead of April commercial launch

News Wireless Japan 23 JAN 2020
Rakuten Mobile adds 20,000 participants to free trial, ahead of April commercial launch
Rakuten Mobile has opened the second wave of the ‘Free Supporter Programme’, adding 20,000 participants to the project. Rakuten Mobile initially launched its Free Supporter Programme in October 2019. Based on the feedback and requests of a broader base of programme participants, Rakuten says it will accelerate preparations for the full launch of its mobile services with its virtualized cloud-native network.

Offering voice and data services free of charge to nearly 5,000 subscribers since launch, customer feedback through the Free Supporter Programme has allowed Rakuten Mobile to upgrade its service, as well as expand the mobile network service area. The operator also reports that progress is being made on the buildout of 4G base stations, with more than 3,000 currently on air, and the total number set to exceed the March 2020 target approved by the Ministry for Internal Affairs and Communications.

The second wave of the programme will also include the launch of a beta version of new original dialing app ‘Rakuten Link’ for calling, texting and messaging to all program participants. The operator will also launch in-store contract applications at six major stores, including the new flagship Rakuten Mobile Ebisu Store launched today with a revamped design, and in-store sales of the Rakuten Mini, Rakuten Mobile’s first original device, exclusively to program participants.

Full launch in April

Rakuten Mobile reports it is on track to launch full commercial services in April. The new network architecture is expected to allow deployment of new services and lays the groundwork for implementation of 5G. 

Applications for the second round of the Free Supporter Programme will be accepted from 23 January until 3 February on the dedicated Free Supporter Programme page on the Rakuten Mobile site. After the end of the application period, notification emails containing details of the contract application process will be sent to the first 20,000 applicants. Applicants who had previously applied for the initial round of the Free Supporter Programme will have priority access.

Applicants who receive the notification email will have to complete the contract process through either the dedicated site listed in the notification email or at one of six Rakuten Mobile stores by 14 February to participate in the programme. New subscribers who also purchase a Rakuten Mobile compatible device will receive 18,000 Rakuten Super Points and can get an additional 1,000 Rakuten Super Points each month for the duration of the programme for using the service including Rakuten Link and sharing feedback on the network.

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

Rakuten Mobile

Countries:

Japan

Tags:

Voice services, Internet Access, Consumer

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