Rakuten wesentlich besser als Rocket

- und daher habe ich mir nach dem Einstieg bei Alibaba, die inzwischem mehr als 20% gut gemacht haben, auch einige Rakutens gekauft.

Look Out Amazon, Here Comes...Rakuten?
Japanese e-commerce firm Rakuten announced on Tuesday it is acquiring Ebates for $1 billion.

The acquisition, which Rakuten hinted at last week, is part of the Japanese company’s push to grow its base beyond its domestic market and hopefully, become a global player. Having made some $1.2 billion acquisitions to date along these lines, this is Rakuten’s most ambitious move to date.

However, investors are dubious that the company can absorb yet another foreign acquisition, much less one the size of Ebates, despite Rakuten’s strong cash position.
Then there is the ever-present Amazon, which dominates the e-commerce market in the U.S. Few believe it will falter in the face of Chinese giant Alibaba, much less a Rakuten-Ebates combo.

Rakuten Goes Forth

Not surprisingly, Rakuten says it is undaunted. For starters, it has assembled a very interesting mix of acquisitions. There is messaging app Viber, which it purchased for $900 million in February, the Canadian ebook offering Kobo, Spanish video service Wuaki.tv, Viki, a digital content platform and Buy.com.
Now it has picked up Ebates.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikamorphy/2014/09/...ere-comes-rakuten/  

JPY 300 per month in terms of ad revenue = JPY 3,600 per year in terms of ad revenue = about $25 in terms of ad revenue per year from every subscriber

When Rakuten reach 10 million subscriber during 2025 = a quarter billion $ from ad revenue.

When Rakuten reach 20 million subscriber during the years after 2025 = a half billion $ from ad revenue.

All analysts I ever had read ignored this point.  

Sangwon Seo, CEO of Stage X, said: “Rakuten Mobile and Stage X are the latest mobile network operators representing their respective countries, and together with Rakuten Symphony we wish to continue broad cooperation. Rakuten Mobile built and deployed the world’s first fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network with a modern infrastructure that ensures stable telecommunication services as the newest mobile network operator in Japan. As Stage X builds out its infrastructure to provide 5G services in the 28 GHz spectrum, we look forward to working with Rakuten and learning from their experience across a wide range of areas.”

Stage X, which has been awarded spectrum that will enable it to be Korea’s fourth mobile carrier, plans to launch nationwide mobile network services in the first half of 2025, Korean press reported.

https://www.rcrwireless.com/20240503/5g/...hip-korean-newcomer-stagex
 

The global open RAN market size was valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit around USD 32 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 33.40% from 2024 to 2033.

https://www.precedenceresearch.com/open-ran-market
 

Oliver Matthew: ....  question on Mobile. I've been using the service reception is very good in Tokyo, thank you. But I'd like to check what you mean about the ad revenue. I don't really see ads. So I'd like -- could you explain more about how it works or how you think it will work? That's the first question.

Hiroshi Mikitani: Oliver, you use iPhone right?

Oliver Matthew: No, I'm actually using the Xiaomi RedMi. Sorry.

Hiroshi Mikitani: No. So now we introduced the rich communication service called Link. So people who call on Link, who message on Link it is SMS and also the free voice. And then in exchange we have two things. We can utilize their data. And also we will be able to display the ads. And we are really personalizing ads on - based on our CNDA database code. We have a consumer database for everybody and there Rakuten each display ads are connected. Number one.

And we are sending so much traffic to our ecosystem. And if you calculate that so if you calculate the gross revenue we are making from our ecosystem it is already ¥2,769 which is we are not counting as our ARPU. So maybe we can make this like affiliate model a little bit and because we are sending -- creating a lot of the value through the other services.

So basically ad is - and also we periodically send an e-mail to Rakuten Mobile users. In the future probably we will integrate the Rakuten Pay SDK into Rakuten Link app. So Rakuten Link app will become super app for Rakuten ecosystem. There are so many display opportunities because 40 million people a day will come to our website. And we also can include the Link. And I should say, I assume the line ARPU which most of the money is coming from ads and maybe some will understand it's about ¥300 per sub I think. So I think it's kind of a reasonable to say we can probably get close to what noise making using our data and the engagement level.

Oliver Matthew: Okay. So I get it. I haven't been using the Link app.

Hiroshi Mikitani: Please, please, please use it.

Source: Last Conference Call  

Read more At:

https://aninews.in/news/business/...-edition-of-rpc-2420240503154129/
 

Overall, Rakuten Mobile’s focus on improving ARPU and subscriber numbers has contributed to its positive financial performance in FY2023. The company aims to achieve self-funding at the group level by leveraging the mobile business’s financial performance along with cash flow from other segments  

 

Starting from FY2024, the company aims to increase self-funding at the Group level by:

- Improving the mobile business’s financial performance.
- Leveraging free cash flow generated from the Internet Services segment.
- Utilizing cash flow generated from the FinTech segment.

The company maintains financial stability through a disciplined financial policy  

MS AI Assistant (Beta): This AI-powered store management tool is accessible to merchants via the Rakuten Merchant Server (RMS).

Features of RMS AI Assistant (Beta) include:
Product description generation: Automatically creating compelling product descriptions.
Product image processing: Enhancing product images.
Text generation for user inquiries: Crafting responses to customer queries.
Data analysis of sales trends: Helping merchants make informed decisions.
AI chatbot for store operations: Assisting with common questions.

By leveraging these AI features, merchants on Rakuten Ichiba can enhance efficiency and reduce workload hours.

AI-nization: Rakuten is actively driving the use of AI across its entire business.

For Rakuten Ichiba, this means improving the customer shopping experience through AI while simultaneously empowering merchants and realizing operational efficiencies.

The goal is to strengthen connections with customers and drive better results.

In summary, Rakuten Ichiba is embracing AI to enhance its platform, benefitting both shoppers and merchants. If you’re a merchant on Rakuten, these AI tools could significantly improve your business operations!  

Switch to Rakuten Mobile from DOCOMO—no MNP Reservation Number

May 05, 2024

In this video, I'll guide you through the process of transferring your Docomo carrier to Rakuten Mobile without needing an MNP (Mobile Number Portability) reservation number. Whether you're looking to switch carriers or simply want to explore your options, this step-by-step tutorial will make the transition smooth and hassle-free. From understanding the requirements to completing the transfer, I've got you covered with all the essential information. Watch now and make your move to Rakuten Mobile seamlessly!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhth2eGizDc
 

Revenue in the advertising business grew to 206.5 billion yen in FY2023, achieving double-digit growth of 12.9% YoY and surpassing the full-year sales revenue target of 200 billion yen.  

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular messaging services by active monthly users:

      Rank§Messaging Service Number of Active Monthly Users

         1  WhatsApp§2.4 billion
         2§Facebook Messenger 2.1 billion
         3    WeChat§1.2 billion
         4     Viber§823 million
         5  Telegram§500 million
         6  Snapchat§347 million
         7      LINE§178 million
         8   Discord§170 million
         9        QQ§57 million
        10 KakaoTalk§49 million
        11    Signal§40 million

https://explodingtopics.com/blog/messaging-apps-stats
 

Feb 6, 2024

In 2023, global retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated 5.8 trillion U.S. dollars. Projections indicate a 39 percent growth in this figure over the coming years, with expectations to surpass eight trillion dollars by 2027.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/379046/...etail-e-commerce-sales/
 

Rakuten CEO: Hope to be EBITDA breakeven with mobile business this year

Mickey Mikitani, the CEO of Rakuten, speaks to CNBC’s Arjun Kharpal at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

TUE, FEB 27 20248:53 AM EST

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/02/27/...bile-business-this-year.html

 

Tech Experts discuss Rakuten’s unique AI approach at MWC Barcelona 2024

4 days ago

Continuing its dominant run as the telco industry’s buzziest topic, AI was a key theme throughout Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona. Throughout the four-day event, Rakuten’s booth was a hub for AI discussions, demos and forward-looking insights. Headlining the company’s booth theater on Day 3 was a special AI Showcase featuring three experts from Rakuten Mobile, Rakuten Symphony and the Rakuten Group, who came together to share their unique perspectives on today’s most transformative technology.

In a panel session moderated by Appledore Research’s Robert Curran, Rahul Atri, OSS BU president at Rakuten Symphony; Madhukiran Medithe, Chief data and AI officer at Rakuten Mobile; and Ting Cai, Chief Data Officer at Rakuten Group explored the impact of AI in revolutionizing operations in telco and enhancing customer experience.

Born from a mission to share Rakuten Mobile’s pioneering mobile network technology with telecom operators worldwide, Rakuten Symphony is an industry leader in telco automation and AI. And through its unique embrace of virtualization, Rakuten Mobile has offered a perfect playground to apply AI.
From a Rakuten Group perspective, mentions Cai, the company is on a mission of AI-nization, leveraging AI as much as possible across the Rakuten Ecosystem to empower clients, partners and employees.

https://rakuten.today/blog/...-ai-approach-at-mwc-barcelona-2024.html
 

Certainly! In May 2024, Rakuten Mobile is making significant strides in deploying its mobile network using the “Platinum Band” in Japan. Here are the key details:

Platinum Band Allocation:
The 700 MHz band, also known as the “platinum band,” was allocated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on October 23, 20231.
This band has unique properties, allowing it to maintain a strong signal even in the presence of obstacles like buildings or indoors.

Deployment and Technology:
Rakuten Mobile will deploy base stations using mobile network radios developed by Nokia Solutions & Networks G.K. in the 700 MHz platinum band.
These Nokia mobile network radios are small, lightweight, and energy-efficient.
Leveraging its expertise in building the world’s first fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile network compatible with Open RAN, Rakuten Mobile aims to promptly start operating base stations in this band.
By using a next-generation Distributed Unit (DU) developed by its subsidiary Rakuten Symphony, Rakuten Mobile can easily deploy the radio in its virtualized, Open RAN network.
The newly deployed antennas compatible with both the 1.7 GHz band and the 700 MHz band will coexist alongside existing 1.7 GHz radios, allowing for prompt operation through software updates.

Benefits and Customer Satisfaction:
Rakuten Mobile aims to realize a high-quality mobile network by optimally combining the allocated 700 MHz platinum band with its existing 4G and 5G frequency bands and roaming.
The deployment will start in urban areas with high user volume and traffic.
Rakuten Symphony will collaborate with Nokia to provide these radios to customers in select markets worldwide.

In summary, Rakuten Mobile’s deployment of the platinum band aims to enhance network capacity, improve user experience (especially indoors), and provide cost-effective services across Japan.  

Rakuten Rakuma Sets Sights on US Market with eBay Trial

- Trial with eBay enables cross-border sales from Japan to the US and overseas

Tokyo, May 8, 2024 - Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced that its community-powered marketplace app Rakuten Rakuma has started listing products on eBay from select Rakuma Official Shops on a trial basis. Users of eBay.com will now be able to purchase a variety of re-use items listed on Rakuma Official Shops starting today.

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/...&category=corp
 

E5G for Enterprises: Navigating the Journey from Hype to Reality

01.04.2024

Join James Dartnell, Director, Corporate Communications, EMEA at Rakuten Symphony as he sits down with Mahesh Kasar, Vice President of Sales, APAC for Rakuten Symphony and Dr Tomek Gerszberg, Group Head of Future Networks for Axiata as they discuss the potential for enterprise 5G in an insightful discussion at the Rakuten Booth Theater.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M90rnFZ60dA&t=87s

 

RAN Intelligent Controller Market to Grow at CAGR of 59.4% through 2033 - Rising Demand for Network Virtualization to Bolster Growth

The RAN intelligent controller market size is anticipated to grow from USD 349.45 Million in 2023 to USD 37,005.94 Million in 10 years: The market ought to witness a positive growth rate owing to increasing penetration of 5G technology across the globe.

May 07, 2024 06:30 ET| Source: The Brainy Insights
 

The RAN Intelligent Controller Market Size accounted for USD 165 Million in 2022 and is projected to achieve a market size of USD 15,846 Million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 58.3% from 2023 to 2032.

Key Companies Profiled: Broadcom, Fujitsu, Cisco Systems, Inc., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Juniper Networks, Inc., Intel Corporation, Mavenir, Nokia, NEC Corporation, Parallel Wireless, and Rakuten Symphony Singapore Pte. Ltd.

https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/...gent-controller-market
 

https://pay.rakuten.co.jp/campaign/2024/0501-ichiba/
 

Rakuten Mobile and JTOWER Collaborating on Infrastructure Sharing at More Than 100 Facilities and Buildings
- Accelerating indoor mobile network development by utilizing infrastructure sharing

Tokyo, May 9, 2024 - Rakuten Mobile, Inc. and JTOWER Inc. announced today that Rakuten Mobile has adopted JTOWER’s indoor infrastructure sharing solutions for its network in more than 100 facilities and buildings across Japan.

JTOWER’s infrastructure sharing solutions enable mobile carriers to build out their networks in a shorter period of time and with lower costs than if they were to set up their own facilities. Rakuten Mobile is utilizing these solutions inside shopping facilities, office buildings and other indoor locations.

Rakuten Mobile started using JTOWER's solutions in January 2020 and the number of installations has continued to expand. In October 2021, JTOWER and Rakuten Mobile formed a capital alliance and have been strengthening their collaboration centered on shared infrastructure usage.

JTOWER and Rakuten Mobile are committed to continuing to strengthen their collaboration and promote network development utilizing infrastructure sharing in order to provide best-in-class mobile services.

https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/english/news/press/2024/0509_01/
 

https://www.google.com/finance/quote/5838:TYO?window=MAX  

The Philippine Star  
April 2, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Rakuten Viber, the leading global platform for private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, has partnered with AI studio Inflection to bring its cutting-edge conversational AI expertise to Viber users in the Philippines.

Filipino users now have direct access to Pi, enhancing their messaging experience through advanced conversational capabilities.

With a name that stands for personal intelligence, Pi brings an exceptionally empathetic and supportive personality to conversations with users. It is powered by Inflection’s in-house-built Inflection-2.5 large language model which is competitive with the world’s best foundation models on key industry benchmarks.

Together with Inflection, backed by $1.5 billion of investment from major investors including Microsoft, Nvidia, Bill Gates, and Eric Schmidt, the messaging app dares to envision a future where users can leverage the power of artificial intelligence seamlessly and effectively at their fingertips.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/04/02/...nal-ai-services-users
 

February 26, 2024

The ladies’ room is a place for sharing secrets, like the secret to saving money when you shop. With Rakuten, you get Cash Back at thousands of your favorite stores. Unbelievable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQIBRXsXznc