People are entitled to low-cost mobile connectivity

By Mickey Mikitani, Chairman and CEO, Rakuten Group

As a foundational part of humanity’s infrastructure in the 21st century, mobile network operators now have a responsibility to deliver low-cost connectivity to their users. Where the necessary infrastructure is in place, mobile connectivity should be considered a human right.

I recently spoke on stage at the World Governments Summit in Dubai alongside Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle and e& Group CEO Hatem Dowidar. We discussed how innovation can create a more connected world and help to narrow the digital divide globally.

I believe wireless connectivity is a ‘digital road.’ In the same way that physical roads connect cities and people, mobile networks connect us to the digital world.

Mickey Mikitani, Chairman and CEO, Rakuten Group

We all agreed on these key fundamentals: Connectivity is a cornerstone of economic development, what is good for society is invariably good for business, and customers matter more than anything.

I believe wireless connectivity is a ‘digital road.’ In the same way that physical roads connect cities and people, mobile networks connect us to the digital world. Roads are public infrastructure because they benefit society as a whole.

Physical roads should be as safe, inexpensive and as fast as possible – they help to create a better society. So I reminded the audience of world leaders that mobile connectivity should be as inexpensive as possible for the public.

Rakuten is the first company who went down into the network layer as an existing OTT leader – the way we think is completely different from legacy telecom companies.

Similarly, mobile connectivity should be accessible to everyone. It is necessary for innovation, education and economic growth. Low-cost mobile connectivity ensures that everyone, regardless of income, has access to essential services like online banking, education and healthcare.

This vision is not just a dream; it’s achievable with the right policies and innovations. By treating mobile connectivity as a public good, we can create a more connected and equitable society. While it may come as a surprise to some, there is a strong business case for delivering low-cost mobile connectivity.

Rakuten Mobile has already proven what can be achieved with new approaches to telecom, technologically and in terms of its business model. Rakuten is the first company who went down into the network layer as an existing OTT leader – the way we think is completely different from legacy telecom companies.

We have proven how affordable connectivity can directly benefit the public. We have created competition in the Japanese market and reduced the cost of mobile connectivity, significantly lowering mobile costs for consumers in Japan across the board.

It’s time to remember who matters most – and make digital roads easily accessible to all the public.  

Telecom’s current business model is outdated. It relies heavily on expensive hardware and spectrum costs, creating barriers for new entrants and keeping prices high. By shifting to software-based, AI-driven networks, we can make connectivity cheaper and more accessible.

Basic connectivity should be a human right. These ideas may seem radical to some, but that is only the result of entrenched thinking in telecom – the same thinking that has created inertia, complacency and stagnation in the industry.

It’s time to remember who matters most – and make digital roads accessible to all the public.