Rakuten Mobile and TPG Telecom Sign Partnership Agreement to Trial 5G OpenRAN in Singapore

Singapore, February 21, 2020 - Since launch in October 2019 of the world’s first end-to-end fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network, Rakuten Mobile has become the recognised global leader in OpenRAN implementation. OpenRAN delivers fully programmable Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions based on General Purpose Processing Platforms (GPPP) and disaggregated software so that operators can benefit from the flexibility and faster pace of innovation derived from software-driven development.

TPG Telecom is collaborating with Rakuten Mobile on a 5G technology partnership program to trial OpenRAN solutions in Singapore.

The OpenRAN ecosystem is growing rapidly and several major operators have announced OpenRAN implementations globally not only because of the technological advantages, but also the commercial benefits it brings.

Mr. Richard Tan, Managing Director & Acting CEO, TPG Telecom said: “TPG is pleased to partner with Rakuten Mobile for this trial. Such efforts can help to accelerate the adoption of next generation 5G mobile networks with software-defined technology based on open interfaces and community-developed standards running on open hardware.”

Mr. Tareq Amin, Chief Technology Officer of Rakuten Mobile said: “The strategic partnership is a validation of Rakuten Mobile’s strategy and we are happy to share our innovative end-to-end virtualization solutions built on our vision of an open and multivendor mobile network ecosystem. Singapore’s high fibre density makes it uniquely suited for rapid OpenRAN adoption and successful implementation.”

About Rakuten Mobile Inc:
Rakuten Mobile, Inc. is a Rakuten Group company responsible for mobile communications, including mobile network operator (MNO) and mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) businesses, as well as ICT and energy. Through continuous innovation and the deployment of advanced technology, Rakuten Mobile aims to redefine expectations in the mobile communications industry in order to provide appealing and convenient services that respond to diverse customer needs.

About TPG Telecom Pte. Ltd:
TPG is Singapore’s 4th Mobile Network Operator with an island-wide 4G network providing better than 99% outdoor coverage. After launching with market innovations such as free mobile service trial with unlimited data and free data roaming to neighbouring countries, TPG has to date signed up more than 300,000 customers in Singapore. TPG is a subsidiary of the TPG Telecom group (ASX: TPM), Australia’s second largest fixed line provider and leading market challenger with more than 2 million customers.