Rakuten Mobile Debuts Low-Cost Unlimited Data, First 3M Free
Rakuten Mobile, Inc. announced the “Rakuten UN-LIMIT” plan, a new mobile carrier service plan available for 2,980 yen per month that offers both unlimited data within Rakuten network areas and unlimited domestic calls with the use of Rakuten Link, the communication app developed by Rakuten.
The company also announced a launch campaign offering 3 million subscribers the first full year of service free of monthly fees starting from the first day of their contract. Advance applications for new contracts will open online at 4 p.m. today and will be accepted starting March 4 in Rakuten Mobile stores. The full service will launch on April 8, with applications to switch to the new plan for subscribers of the Free Supporter Program*2 and existing Rakuten Mobile MVNO service users, in addition to MNP (mobile number portability) contracts for those switching from other carriers also being accepted online and in-store from that day.
Rakuten Mobile has developed the world’s first fully virtualized mobile network*3. This network architecture allows for substantial reductions in capital investment and operation costs, enabling the operator to pass on these savings to subscribers through this simple and affordable service plan. The architecture also enables flexible deployment of new services and lays the groundwork for the low-cost and speedy implementation of 5G. Rakuten Mobile aims to offer comprehensive communications services combining flexible service plans and cutting-edge technology while leveraging synergies with the Rakuten Ecosystem and Rakuten Points loyalty program to continue to improve services for subscribers.
1. Rakuten UN-LIMIT
Rakuten UN-LIMIT aims to offer subscribers a mobile plan that is simple, straightforward, and easy-to-use for all subscribers, both in Japan and overseas. For a monthly fee of 2,980 yen, subscribers can enjoy unlimited data use within the Rakuten network service areas and 2GB of data per month within the service areas provided by both domestic and overseas Rakuten partners*4. With use of the Rakuten Link app, all calls and text messages within Japan, as well as calls and text messages from overseas to Japan, will also be free of charge*5. Additionally, an optional international calling service offering unlimited international calls from Japan to overseas as well as calls between overseas locations will be available for a monthly fee of 980 yen*5 starting April 8.
2. The contract process
Advance applications for new contracts will be available starting from 4 p.m. today online, and in Rakuten Mobile stores from March 4 until April 7, with products being shipped after April 8*6. Applications for MNP contracts will be accepted from April 8 online and in-store.
All current subscribers of the Free Supporter Program and the Rakuten Mobile MVNO service will also be able to switch from their current plan to Rakuten UN-LIMIT from April 8 online through the “My Rakuten Mobile” app or website, or the “Members Station” website*7. From April 8, applications for new contracts for the Rakuten Mobile MVNO service will no longer be accepted; however, Rakuten Mobile will continue to provide the MVNO service to existing subscribers.
3. Special campaigns rakuten mobile unlimited
・3 million customers who subscribe to the plan will receive the first year of service free of monthly charges. This campaign is also open to subscribers who apply during the advance application period.
・ 3 million customers who subscribe to the plan and activate Rakuten Link (through SMS verification) by the end of the second month following the start of their contract will be awarded 3,300 Rakuten Points. This campaign is not open to Free Supporter Program subscribers.
・Customers who apply for new contracts online between March 3 and June 30 and activate Rakuten Link (through SMS verification) by August 31 will be awarded 3,000 Rakuten Points.
・ Subscribers will also receive an additional +1% point back incentive through the SPU (Super Point Up) program for purchases on Rakuten Ichiba for the duration of their contract, including any period free of monthly charges.
Rakuten Mobile aims to offer safe, stable and easy to use communications services to bring a new level of convenience and enjoyment to the lives of its subscribers.
*1 Limited to one contract and one application per customer. The number of eligible customers may change depending on the number of applications.
*2 Press release announcing the Free Supporter Program: https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2019/0906_02.html
*3 For a large scale commercial mobile network (as of October 1, 2019). Research: Stella Associa
*4 After the data allocation for the partner areas in Japan and overseas has been used up, data transfer speed will be limited to a maximum of 128kbps. Subscribers can purchase additional data through the “My Rakuten Mobile” app for 500 yen/1GB.
*5 The list of the 66 countries and regions can be found at the following site (Only available in Japanese): https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/service/international-call/
*6 Advance applications will be accepted online until 8:59 a.m. on April 8 and in-store until the store closes on April 7. Depending on the volume of deliveries, products may be shipped after April 8. For advance applications where the subscriber has only purchased a device, products will be shipped within a minimum of two days.
*7 Subscribers of the Free Supporter Program will not be charged an administration fee. However, please note that Rakuten Mobile MVNO service subscribers will be charged an administration fee.
