Rakuten Mobile, a global leader in cloud-native, AI-driven mobile networking, today announced strategic technology partnerships with Cisco, Nokia, and F5 to deploy its 5G Standalone (SA) core network across Japan.
These collaborations will bolster Rakuten Mobile’s network performance, simplify operations through AI-powered systems, and enable new services for both consumers and enterprises.
Cloud-Native 5G Core Powered by Rakuten Symphony
Leveraging Rakuten Symphony Cloud Solutions, Rakuten Mobile will deploy its 5G SA network functions in a fully cloud-native environment. This architecture delivers the operational advantages of native cloud infrastructure, including elastic scalability, automated lifecycle management, and enhanced resilience, positioning Rakuten Mobile to lead in autonomous network operations.
Cisco: AI-Driven Packet Core for Next-Generation Services
Rakuten Mobile will implement Cisco’s mobile Packet Core Portfolio as the foundation for its next network evolution. Cisco’s solution enables streamlined 5G service deployment, AI-driven operational insights, and robust, secure global connectivity. This integration is expected to deliver:
- Faster speeds and expanded coverage
- Greater reliability through resilient core design
- New service innovation, powered by AI in the core network
“By combining Cisco’s secure global connectivity technology and 5G Packet Core software with Rakuten Mobile’s revolutionary network, we aim to redefine mobile connectivity in Japan,” said Masum Mir, SVP & GM, Provider Mobility, Cisco. “Together, we’ll set a new standard for operational efficiency, user experience, and innovation beyond 5G Advanced.”
Nokia: Cloud-Native Network Functions for Reliability & Security
Nokia will supply cloud-native network functions (CNFs) for key 5G SA services—authentication, user data management, signaling, analytics, and IMS voice—deployed on Rakuten Symphony’s Cloud-Native Platform and Storage. With multi-cloud support and automated lifecycle operations, Nokia’s CNFs will:
- Ensure high reliability and secure operations
- Optimize resource usage via distributed, multi-tenant management
- Accelerate service rollout through automated orchestration
“Nokia’s expertise in 5G and cloud-native architectures will empower Rakuten Mobile to deliver tailored 5G services with ease,” said Henrique Vale, VP & APAC Market Leader, Cloud and Network Services, Nokia.
F5: Cloud-Native Security & Scale for 5G Core
Rakuten Mobile will integrate F5’s BIG-IP Next CNFs—including Gi/N6 LAN functions—into its 5G SA core, enhancing security, API protection, and traffic management. Refactored from F5’s proven edge firewall and DDoS solutions, these CNFs will:
- Provide flexible, scalable security at the network edge
- Protect critical control-plane and user-plane functions
- Support seamless core expansion as demand grows
“Partnering with Rakuten Mobile—our first global customer to deploy BIG-IP CNFs for Gi/N6 LAN—underscores the need for agile, resilient 5G services,” said Ahmed Guetari, VP, Service Provider Business, F5. “Our cloud-native functions are purpose-built to meet the unique challenges of modern mobile networks.”
A New Benchmark for Intelligent, Cloud-Native Networks
Since launching full commercial service in 2019 with the world’s first end-to-end cloud-native, Open RAN network, Rakuten Mobile has continually disrupted the industry. By uniting with Cisco, Nokia, and F5, Rakuten Mobile is accelerating its evolution toward fully autonomous network operations—setting a global benchmark for secure, sustainable, and intelligent 5G services that cater to both consumer and enterprise needs.
Conclusion
Rakuten Mobile’s selection of Cisco, Nokia, and F5 as core 5G SA partners underscores the pivotal role of cloud-native architectures, AI-driven operations, and robust security in the future of mobile connectivity.
Network-switch.com believes these alliances will elevate Japan’s 5G landscape—delivering faster, more reliable, and innovation-rich experiences for all users.
As a professional third-party distributor and reseller, we are honored to collaborate with world-class innovators like Rakuten Mobile, Cisco, Nokia, and F5. We appreciate the trust our partners place in us and look forward to jointly driving the next wave of mobile network transformation.