Better together: Rakuten Mobile and partners unite to enhance disaster response

When disaster strikes, reliable communication becomes more than just a convenience – it’s a lifeline. In those critical moments, connecting with loved ones, coordinating emergency services, and accessing vital information can make all the difference.

Recognizing this fundamental need, Rakuten Mobile has joined forces with other leading mobile carriers in Japan to fortify the nation’s disaster response capabilities. In December 2024, Rakuten Mobile, along with the NTT Group, KDDI Corporation, and SoftBank Corp., formed a new cooperative framework dedicated to ensuring the rapid restoration of communication networks in the face of large-scale disasters.

This collaborative effort includes the shared use of key assets, including refueling stations and the deployment of base station-equipped ships. As a result, critical infrastructure can remain operational even in the most challenging circumstances.

The imperative of collaboration

Maintaining mobile network connectivity during and after a disaster presents significant hurdles. The 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which severely disrupted communications in the affected areas, underscored the vital importance of resilient networks. Damaged infrastructure, power outages, and surges in network traffic can all disrupt communication.

“Japan’s geographical characteristics make preparation for large-scale disasters essential.”

Akio Yanagisawa, Manager at Rakuten Mobile’s BCP Management Division

No single carrier can tackle these challenges alone. By sharing resources and pooling expertise, Rakuten Mobile and its partners are building a more resilient and reliable network. The Information and Communications Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications recognizes these efforts and continues to spur on further advancements in cooperation.

Securing power through shared refueling

A key part of the cooperative framework is the shared use of refueling stations. In the event of a widespread power outage, ensuring a continuous power supply to mobile base stations is paramount. On January 28, 2025, Rakuten Mobile conducted joint training with the other carriers in Hiratsuka City to prepare for this scenario.

“Japan’s geographical characteristics make preparation for large-scale disasters essential,” said Akio Yanagisawa, Manager at Rakuten Mobile’s BCP Management Division. “This training is an important step in further developing efforts to support disaster victims, and not just our own users. By working together to improve disaster response capabilities, we can expect to save more disaster victims.”

The initiative involves establishing common fuel depots and creating a streamlined process for delivering fuel to critical sites. By pooling resources, the four carriers help reduce the time needed to recover the network, providing essential connectivity to those who need it most.

Marine vessels as mobile base stations

Reaching remote or inaccessible areas after a disaster can be a major challenge. To address this, the four carriers are also collaborating on the shared use of ships.

These vessels can transport equipment, personnel, and supplies to areas cut off by damaged roads. Notably, they can also serve as mobile base stations, capable of delivering critical connectivity in hard-to-reach coastline areas. In fact, shipboard base stations were used in the wake of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

To further refine these capabilities, Rakuten Mobile held on-site training in Nagasaki City from March 4-7, 2025, using the NTT Group’s cable-laying vessel, Kizuna. The telecom carriers practiced setting up base stations aboard the ship and confirmed that processes and systems for transporting supplies could be carried out smoothly.

Teamwork on deck

Rakuten Mobile engineers from the Solution & Operation Department played a crucial role in the marine vessel training exercise.

Yasuyuki Matsunaga, from the Base Station Maintenance Section, emphasized the importance of learning from all the telecom companies taking part: “The strong winds on deck presented unexpected challenges. By observing how other carriers secured their equipment, we were able to adapt our methods and ensure the stability of our base stations. This kind of knowledge sharing is invaluable.”

Daehyun Jo, from the Construction Section, highlighted the power of teamwork: “Working in the confined space of the ship required close coordination with engineers from other companies. This experience reinforced the importance of seamless collaboration in a disaster scenario.”

Looking towards the future of disaster response, Tetsushi Haramura, also from the Construction Section, commented, “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Using Starlink satellite technology to provide connectivity from a ship-based base station is just one example of how we’re innovating to ensure reliable communication in even the most challenging circumstances. Working together, we can develop even more effective solutions.”

Rakuten’s continued commitment to resilience

Just as reliable communication becomes a lifeline during a disaster, Rakuten Mobile is committed to being a reliable partner in building a more resilient future for Japan. By embracing collaboration across the telecom industry, Rakuten Mobile is ensuring that when disaster strikes, we’re better together.