Launch of Rakuten Mobile 5G Service Postponed Three Months due to Impact of COVID-19

Tokyo, May 15, 2020 – Rakuten Mobile, Inc. today announced that due to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the company expects delays in the launch of its 5th generation mobile communications systems (5G) service.

The 5G service originally planned for June 2020 is expected to be delayed by approximately 3 months due to the impact of COVID-19 on part of the company’s global supply chain. Rakuten Mobile will continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and plan to make a further announcement regarding details of the timing for launch. There are currently no plans to change the company’s 5G base station deployment plans for FY2020 submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and thank all of our employees and partner staff for their commitment to our 5G rollout during these difficult times,” commented Tareq Amin, Representative Director, Executive Vice President and CTO of Rakuten Mobile. “We will work to minimize the impact of the pandemic and look forward to launching our 5G service in the near future.”

Rakuten Mobile will continue to place the highest priority on safety of its employees and partner staff and monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while preparing for launch of 5G service.