Rakuten Link

Rakuten Link stands as a pioneering communication platform built upon the GSMA RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard. Unlike other OTT (Over-The-Top) messaging applications limited to interactions between app users, Rakuten Link empowers users to make domestic and international calls to other mobile and landline phones. Beyond basic communication functions such as group chats, sending and receiving photos, videos, and files, it also facilitates SMS messaging both in Japan and overseas. All these communication methods are accessible when connected to Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

The deployment of Rakuten Link includes Mavenir's 5G-enabled platform, which generates revenue from voice and messaging, supports low-cost domestic and international roaming, integrates Rakuten ID single sign-on, and is fully cloud-based with complete network function virtualization (NFV) deployed on the Rakuten Mobile platform. This platform further extends to advanced services like video calls, voice and video conferencing, and supports a variety of devices, including desktop applications.

Tareq Amin, Representative Director, Executive Vice President, and CTO of Rakuten Mobile, commented, "Rakuten Mobile's unique cloud-based network architecture facilitates the flexible deployment of new services like Rakuten Link. Collaborating with Mavenir to deploy the next generation of voice and messaging services marks a significant milestone. Driving such disruptive innovations in the telecom sector will enable us to provide flexible, stable, and competitive services to Japanese users."

Pardeep Kohli, President and CEO of Mavenir, stated, "As a leading network software provider, our cloud-based virtualized RCS solution enables us to help Rakuten Mobile quickly and easily provide a voice and messaging infrastructure that will be launched as part of its network this year. Mavenir's fully virtualized RCS application server and application client will allow Rakuten Mobile to rapidly introduce new innovative services for both enterprises and consumers."

By leveraging Mavenir's RCS solution, Rakuten Mobile offers its users the next generation of rich messaging services based on evolving GSMA Universal Profile (UP) RCS standards. Services include session-based messaging to RCS-enabled clients, enabling users to engage in instant messaging (IM), group chats, and file sharing, as well as supporting multi-device solutions based on RCS standards with voice and video QoS. Mavenir is the only end-to-end, cloud-native network software provider, offering a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio at every layer of the network infrastructure stack, accelerating software network transformation and redefining the network economics for Communication Service Providers (CSPs).

From the 5G application/service layer to the packet core and Radio Access Network (RAN), Mavenir leads in evolved cloud-native network solutions and delivers innovative, secure experiences to end-users. With a series of industry-leading innovations in VoLTE, VoWiFi, Advanced Messaging (RCS), vEPC, and OpenRAN vRAN, Mavenir has accelerated network transformation for over 250 CSP customers in more than 140 countries, serving more than 50% of the world's population. Mavenir's applications contribute to driving breakthrough and innovative technological architectures and business models for service agility, flexibility, and speed. With solutions that drive NFV evolution to enable network economies of scale, Mavenir provides CSPs with a range of solutions to reduce costs, generate revenue, and protect revenue streams.

Rakuten Link exemplifies how Rakuten Mobile, leveraging its unique cloud-based architecture and partnering with industry leaders like Mavenir, is transforming the telecommunications landscape to offer users unparalleled communication experiences.