Rakuten Mobile BSS operations in Japan will continue to run on Netcracker Technology’s cloud-native platform, following an extension of the two companies’ large-scale partnership announced on March 31, 2026. The renewed agreement covers the AI-enabled Netcracker Digital BSS platform along with professional and managed services supporting Rakuten Mobile’s nationwide 4G and 5G network.
Partnership Background and Scope
Netcracker and Rakuten Mobile first partnered in 2019, when Rakuten Mobile entered the Japanese market as a new operator. The partnership has since supported the operator’s rapid growth, providing a digital-first BSS foundation that enables service innovation and customer onboarding at scale.
Rakuten Mobile BSS Platform Capabilities
The Netcracker Digital BSS platform, part of the broader Netcracker Digital Platform, supports artificial intelligence-driven customer journeys and automated business processes. It integrates with Rakuten’s wider ecosystem, including the Rakuten Points loyalty program, to personalize customer interactions. The platform also enables rapid onboarding and streamlines both internal operations and customer-facing workflows.
Agentic AI Integration Highlighted
Hiroshi Takeshita, Managing Executive Officer and Vice Chief Technology Officer at Rakuten Mobile, noted the platform’s evolution since the initial launch. “Netcracker was our BSS platform of choice when we launched as the new operator in Japan seven years ago, and they helped us get off the ground and running very quickly to great success,” Takeshita said. He added that the integration with Netcracker’s Agentic AI solution would provide “the intelligence, speed, scale and security to continue making inroads in the market.”
“Since we started working with Rakuten Mobile as a true greenfield project, they have evolved into a significant player in the highly competitive Japanese mobile market.”
Bob Titus, Chief Technology Officer, Netcracker
Telecom Context and Market Position
Rakuten Mobile operates a nationwide telecommunications network in Japan, competing in a market that includes established carriers. The operator launched in 2019 and has grown its subscriber base using a cloud-native network architecture. The extended BSS partnership supports Rakuten Mobile’s stated goal of delivering competitive digital customer experiences.
Netcracker Technology is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation. The company provides BSS, OSS, and network management solutions to service providers globally. Its platform addresses key areas including 5G monetization, AI, and automation for telecom operators transitioning toward technology company models.
Future Outlook
Bob Titus, Chief Technology Officer at Netcracker, said the company would continue supporting Rakuten Mobile as it positions itself for future expansion. The extended partnership signals continued investment in cloud-based BSS infrastructure as Japanese mobile operators compete on digital service quality. Netcracker did not disclose the financial terms or duration of the extended agreement.
