World’s First Fully Virtualized Network, From Rakuten Mobile, Deploys Thales’ Trusted Connectivity Solutions
29.6.2021 11:00:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
Thales is playing a key role in the world’s first end-to-end cloud-native1 mobile network, operated by Rakuten Mobile, Inc., a dynamic entrant into the Japanese market. This agile mobile network operator is utilizing Thales’ comprehensive portfolio of eSIM, SIM and remote connectivity management solutions, to enable a rapid digital onboarding journey for consumers. Thales’ eSIM technology also plays a key role in the development of Rakuten Mobile’s innovative 4G and 5G smartphones.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210629005483/en/
(Photo: Business Wire)
By supporting cloud activation of eSIM-capable devices, Thales’ solutions enhance Rakuten Mobile’s digital onboarding procedures for its subscribers. Remote management of subscriptions over the device’s lifetime is similarly straightforward for users. As well as digitalising the customer experience, this digital-first strategy increases Rakuten Mobile’s operational efficiency.
Thales’ space-saving eSIM is particularly valuable for 5G devices, which currently require large antennas and batteries leaving little space for new functionality. Rakuten Mobile is using Thales’ eSIMs in its 4G & 5G smartphones: the Rakuten Mini, the Rakuten Hand and the 5G compatible Rakuten BIG.
Reflecting these benefits, the GSMA predicts there will be 2.42 billion eSIM smartphone connections worldwide by 2025. In the same year, more than 130 million 5G connections are expected in Japan alone.
“Rakuten Mobile has embarked on a journey of innovation to create a new generation of cloud-based mobile services. Thales’ innovative eSIM solutions enable us to offer a quicker, smoother onboarding process to our customers and deliver a fully digitised but secure user experience.”
Tareq Amin, Representative Director, Executive Vice President and CTO, Rakuten Mobile
“Rakuten Mobile’s strategy is focused on offering the convenience of a self-service onboarding for their customers. We are thrilled that our eSIM management solutions are helping Rakuten Mobile improve their customer experience with a secure digital enrolment and out of the box subscription delivery. This new 5G era boosted by Thales eSIM also addresses promising new consumer IoT use cases.”
Emmanuel Unguran, Thales SVP for Mobile Connectivity Solutions
1
The network architecture (from the RAN to the core) is entirely virtualized.
2 GSMA Intelligence – June 2021.
Related resource:
Infographic:
What is an eSIM: 6 illustrated answers
eBook: Best practices for optimising eSIM adoption
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing – to build a confident future crucial for the development of our societies. The Group provides its customers – businesses, organisations and governments – in the defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains with solutions, services and products that help them fulfil their critical role, consideration for the individual being the driving force behind all decisions.
Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2020 the Group generated sales of €17 billion.
PLEASE VISIT
Thales Group
Market page
Download HD photos
@Thalesgroup
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210629005483/en/
Contact information
PRESS
Thales, Media Relations
Digital Identity and Security
Vanessa Viala
+33 (0)6 07 34 00 34
vanessa.viala@thalesgroup.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Merrithew ® Expands Global Mindful Movement Leadership with Acquisition of the GYROTONIC ® Organization11.6.2026 18:30:00 EEST | Press release
Merrithew®, a global leader in mindful movement education and equipment and creator of internationally recognized programs including STOTT PILATES®, ZEN•GA®, Halo® Training and Total Barre®, today announced the acquisition of the GYROTONIC® organization, creator of the globally respected GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods. Founded by Juliu Horvath, the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods are internationally recognized for their distinctive approach to movement, combining fluidity, strength, mobility, coordination, and rehabilitation through specialized equipment and movement sequences. Practiced in studios and wellness centers worldwide, the methods have cultivated a deeply loyal global community of instructors, trainers, therapists, and movement professionals. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Merrithew International Inc.’s growth strategy and reflects Merrithew’s commitment to growing the rapidly expanding global mindful movement category. The addition of the GYROTONI
GigaDevice Expands Optical Communication Portfolio with New GD32E512 and GD32E252 Series MCUs for Optical Modules11.6.2026 17:00:00 EEST | Press release
GigaDevice, a leading semiconductor company specializing in Flash memory, 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), sensors, and analog products, has introduced the new GD32E512 and GD32E252 series MCUs specifically designed for optical module applications. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260611850679/en/ Empowering Optical Interconnect Innovation, GigaDevice Unveils Dedicated MCUs for Optical Modules. As a leading supplier of MCUs for optical module applications, GigaDevice has maintained a strong focus on the optical communication market, continuously aligning its product development with evolving industry requirements and next-generation optical interconnect technologies. Leveraging years of expertise in optical module control solutions, GigaDevice has established a strong position in the market through continuous innovation and close collaboration with industry partners. To further support the advancement of high-sp
Saudi Arabia at the Center of the Global Water Industry as IDWS 2026 Reshapes the Future of Water11.6.2026 16:47:00 EEST | Press release
In an increasingly resource-constrained world, water has become critical to both economic growth and national security, driving demand for global leadership in sustainability, innovation, and water solutions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260611388456/en/ Saudi Arabia at the Center of the Global Water Industry as IDWS 2026 Reshapes the Future of Water (Graphic: AETOSWire) The Saudi Water Authority has announced the return of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS), taking place from 7 to 9 December 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, as the Kingdom consolidates its position at the center of the global water conversation. As home to one of the world’s most advanced and rapidly evolving water management ecosystems, Saudi Arabia currently operates more than 500 water production facilities across the Kingdom with total water production capacity exceeding 16.2 million cubic meters per day. The
Andersen Consulting Strengthens Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Offerings with HeadMind Partners11.6.2026 16:30:00 EEST | Press release
Andersen Consulting enters into a Collaboration Agreement with HeadMind Partners, a leading European consultancy specializing in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and AI, strengthening the organization’s platform. With its unique combination of 25 years’ business experience, technology and data expertise, HeadMind Partners enables its clients, large companies from both private and public sectors, to strengthen their digital and cyber resilience, enhance their operational efficiency, and build robust and sovereign AI solutions. Headquartered in Paris and operating in France and Belgium to date, the company draws on multidisciplinary teams of 500 cybersecurity experts, 70 AI engineers and 400 digital transformation specialists to provide value-creating and seamless cybersecurity, AI and digital transformation solutions. HeadMind Partners serves a diverse and renowned client portfolio across financial services, industry, energy, luxury and the public sector. “Collaborating with Ander
Xsolla to Meet With Mobile Game Developers and Publishers at Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona 202611.6.2026 16:00:00 EEST | Press release
Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, today announced its participation in Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) Barcelona 2026, taking place June 15-16 at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain. Xsolla will be on the ground for meetings with mobile game developers, publishers, and strategic partners, bringing its direct-to-consumer commerce infrastructure to one of the most deal-focused events in the European games calendar. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260611487209/en/ Graphic: Xsolla Now in its second year, PGC Barcelona has quickly established itself as a destination conference for mobile game businesses, drawing more than 1,000 attendees from over 47 countries and facilitating thousands of structured business meetings through its dedicated matchmaking platform. Barcelona itself has become one of Europe's most significant gaming cities, home to studios including Scopely, King, Rovio, Band
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom