• This production is expected to provide the world its first cloud native highly secure 5G network radio equipment.
   
• Production begins at NEC Platforms’ Fukushima plant.

Amidst coronavirus scare, one of Japan’s largest multinational IT and electronics firms, NEC and Rakuten Mobile, Inc., have joined hands to realize the production of 5^th generation mobile communications system radio unit. The RU production will take place at NEC Platforms, Ltd.’s Fukushima Plant, with the very first unit being already shipped.

As per credible reports, this RU would stand as the world’s first cloud native highly secure 5G network equipment and would be manufactured in Japan.

The domestically produced 5G RU is reported to be equipped with a 3.7 gigahertz frequency band massive MIMO antenna in compact and lightweight form factor with comparatively low power consumption. According to claims by the official sources, this 5G RU production would help Rakuten Mobile buildout its own 5G network, commencing construction of base stations in Tokyo and working towards its roll out somewhere in June this year.

Commenting on the production launch, Rakuten Mobile Director, VP, and CTO, Tareq Amin stated that NEC’s 5G RU would play a pivotal role in the company’s fully virtualized cloud native mobile network. Moreover, this launch would enable the company to commence operations on the construction of its 5G base stations while looking forward to offering its subscribers a highly secure, cost efficient, and high quality 5G service.

Meanwhile, Atsuo Kawamura, the Executive VP and President of Network Services Business Unit, NEC, cited that the construction of 5G RU aligns with open architecture standards and comes in a compact form factor with reduced power consumption. He further added that expansion of open 5G ecosystem would help NEC contribute to the creation of new mobile services globally.

Apparently, this is not the first ever joint production by the two companies. The companies have also been closely working on BSS and OSS solutions for furnishing Rakuten’s 4G network operations.

Source credit: https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/press-releases-pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/rakuten-mobile-and-nec-begin-production-of-open-ran-5g-radio-equipment