Rakuten to utilize Kansai Electric Power infrastructure for MNO base stations

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Rakuten Inc has decided to utilize the transmission towers, utility poles, telecommunication towers and other infrastructure of Kansai Electric Power Co in establishing a network of base stations for its Mobile Network Operator (MNO) business, if its frequency band allocation is granted.

Rakuten has applied to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for frequency band allocation for the 4th generation mobile communications system (4G) (1.7 GHz band and 3.4 GHz band) with the aim of entering the MNO business.

If Rakuten’s frequency band allocation is granted, the company plans to make use of Kansai Electric Power’s transmission towers, utility poles, telecommunication towers and other infrastructure in and around Japan’s Kansai region for its base station locations.

Rakuten said it is looking 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 subject to approval of its frequency band allocation application at the end of March.