Enhancing Japan's Emergency Roaming Services
On April 28, 2026, Mavenir introduced its cloud-native packet core on Rakuten Mobile’s network across Japan. This development significantly enhances communication infrastructure and supports the newly launched ‘JAPAN Roaming’ service, which began on April 1, 2026. This service allows for multi-carrier roaming, ensuring that users can maintain uninterrupted access to 4G LTE voice, SMS, and data services during emergencies such as large-scale disasters or major outages.
The deployment of Mavenir’s technology is critical for enabling cross-carrier access under emergency conditions. It showcases how cloud-based core networks can bolster national communication infrastructure and support service continuity on a large scale. ‘JAPAN Roaming’ includes an emergency-calls-only mode, guaranteeing continued access to Japan’s emergency services.
Ryo Watanabe, General Manager of the Core Network Department at Rakuten Mobile, stated, “Mobile connectivity becomes critical when normal life is disrupted. Mavenir’s cloud-native packet core plays an important part in Rakuten Mobile’s role in JAPAN Roaming, enabling flexible and reliable connectivity when it’s needed most.”
Key Features and Benefits
Mavenir’s cloud-native packet core provides a scalable and resilient data foundation that is essential during emergencies. The technology strengthens national communications infrastructure and ensures service continuity. Michael Cooper, EVP & General Manager at Mavenir, emphasised, “This deployment shows how a cloud-native packet core can support resilient, large-scale connectivity when networks are under extreme stress.”
The software-based architecture of Mavenir’s cloud-native core portfolio enhances voice, data, messaging, and security services. This design offers mobile operators the flexibility to introduce new services swiftly and automate operations effectively. As a result, operators can respond more efficiently to changing network conditions.
Mavenir and Rakuten Mobile have a long-standing partnership. Previous collaborations include deploying Mavenir’s cloud-native voice and messaging capabilities for Rakuten Link. These efforts demonstrate how Rakuten Mobile leverages modern software architecture to launch and scale services swiftly.
According to Mavenir, the cloud-native packet core is vital for supporting public safety and service continuity by providing technology designed for real-world challenges. This ongoing collaboration with Rakuten Mobile highlights their commitment to advancing mobile connectivity and innovation, ensuring robust communication solutions are available even in the most challenging circumstances.
Last updated: 29 April 2026, 9:19 am
