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/  

Rakuten Securities gewinnt zum vierten Mal den ersten Platz   in der Gesamtwertung des Oricon Customer Satisfaction Ranking Online   Securities 2025!

https://www.rakuten-sec.co.jp/web/company/...se/pdf/press20250106.pdf  

Congratulations to the 2024 Fierce Network Innovation Awards Winners

https://awards.fierce-network.com/awardsfiercenetwork/2024-winners

 

Rakuten Group's ad business revenue FY 2020-2023

Published by C. Diep, Jul 17, 2024

In the fiscal year 2023, Rakuten Group generated over 206 billion Japanese yen in revenue through its advertising business. Rakuten Group is a Japanese tech conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo. The company operates the e-commerce platform Rakuten Ichiba.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1369442/...p-advertising-revenue/
 

What is the AI opportunity for global telecom sector?

12/07/2024

The global telecom sector is at the early stages of exploring the transformative power of AI, but the potential for the coming years appears strong, according to Morgan Stanley.

In a Sunday note, the Wall Street firm revealed that successful AI implementation could boost the sector's free cash flow (FCF) margins by 400 basis points and add approximately $500 billion to its market capitalization. However, achieving these gains depends on overcoming challenges like data silos, limited managerial bandwidth, and the fragmented adoption of AI technologies.

However, the widespread adoption of AI in telecom is still a long-term process. Morgan Stanley emphasizes that "we foresee a 5yr implementation process as technology becomes 'enterprise-ready' and telcos address data fragmentation and other challenges

The sector must address core challenges such as fragmented data infrastructure, integration costs, and uneven implementation.

“Breaking data silos is key for widespread adoption,” the note states.

In the near term, the firm’s preferred stocks include Deutsche Telekom AG Na (ETR:DTEGn), America Movil (NYSE:AMX), Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:VIV), Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SGX:STEL), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX:TLS), Rakuten Inc (TYO:4755), SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM), and KT Corp (NYSE:KT).

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/...om-sector-3749423
 

The Global RAN Automation Market size is expected to be worth around USD 13.8 Billion By 2034, from USD 3.5 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 14.70% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
Several factors are driving the RAN Automation market forward. The biggest driver is the rapid global deployment of 5G networks, which require more efficient management and optimization of radio access networks due to their increased complexity and higher data traffic. Additionally, the demand for improved network performance, lower latency, and faster speeds is prompting operators to adopt automated solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

RAN Automation Market Companies:
Nokia Corporation
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics
ZTE Corporation
VMware, Inc.
Mavenir
Rakuten Symphony
Intel Corporation
NEC Corporation
Juniper Networks
Cisco Systems, Inc.

O https://market.us/report/ran-automation-market/...20to%25202034.thers

 

Dell’Oro Group recently reported that revenues related to the sale of open RAN equipment would plunge for all of 2024.

“Short-term projections have been revised downward, while the long-term outlook remains unchanged,” the firm noted. “Open RAN is now projected to comprise a mid-single-digit share of the 2024 RAN market and 8% to 10% of the combined proprietary plus open RAN 2025 revenues.”

That near-term outlook did follow a more longer term growth forecast that open RAN equipment will account for more than 25% of the total worldwide RAN market by 2028. North America is expected to lead that growth, with the overall open RAN share predicted to be as high as 40% of the total RAN market when taking early adopter China out of that equation.

Analysys Mason is even more positive on market growth predicting open RAN and virtualized RAN (vRAN) architectures will account for more than 70% of segment vendor revenues by 2030.

https://www.sdxcentral.com/articles/...att-open-ran-momentum/2025/01/

 

 

 

 

"Rakuten Bank Reverse Mortgage" überschreitet 10 Milliarden Yen Saldo

8. Januar 2025

Rakuten Bank, Inc. (Hauptsitz: Minato-ku, Tokio, President & CEO: Hiroyuki Nagai, im Folgenden als "Rakuten Bank" bezeichnet) freut sich bekannt zu geben, dass der Saldo der "Rakuten Bank Reverse Mortgage" bis Ende Dezember 2024 10 Milliarden Yen überschritten hat.

Im Januar 2021 begann die Rakuten Bank mit der Behandlung der Rakuten Bank Reverse Mortgage als eines der Schlüsselprodukte zur Lösung des Problems der Pensionsfonds in Japan, wo eine alternde Gesellschaft voranschreitet. Eine Umkehrhypothek ist ein Darlehenssystem, das es Ihnen ermöglicht, einen Kredit zu erhalten, während Sie weiterhin als Sicherheit in Ihrem Haus wohnen. Im Gegensatz zu allgemeinen Krediten wie Hypotheken, die die Zahlung von Kapital und Zinsen erfordern, sind monatliche Zahlungen nur Zinsen, und sie erregen Aufmerksamkeit als ein Produkt, das die Angst vor Rentenfonds lindert.

Seit seiner Einführung wird die Umkehrhypothek der Rakuten Bank von vielen Kunden nicht nur zur Finanzierung ihres Ruhestandslebens genutzt, sondern auch zur Refinanzierung ihrer Hypotheken und zum Kauf von Eigentumswohnungen mit Pflege. Darüber hinaus wurde es aufgrund seiner Eigenschaften als Internetbank für seine landesweite Abdeckung mit Ausnahme einiger Bereiche, die Leichtigkeit, mit der es auf der Website angewendet werden kann, ohne dass eine Filiale besucht werden muss, und die attraktive Zinseinstellung gut angenommen.

https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/press/2024/250108.html

 

https://www.google.com/finance/quote/5838:TYO?window=1Y  

The expansion of IoT devices at the consumer and business level is putting a strain on current networks. Faster speeds, along with AI and automation, are required at the network level to cope with this growing demand.  Over the next year, there’ll be standards development for integrating AI and automation into telecom networks, focusing on improving network management, customer service, and operational efficiency.

Issam Toufik, CTO, ETSI

https://www.telecoms.com/...rovider/what-will-2025-hold-for-telecoms-

 

https://cabify.com/en/about-
us#:~:text=Our%2520mission%2520inspires%2520us.%2520As%2520does%2­520the%2520journey,develop%2520technology%2520by%2520and%2520for%­2520people%E2%80%99s%2520mobility%2520needs.
 

Operator confidence in open RAN products jumps in 2024

Heavy Reading operator survey shows that 48% of respondents believe open RAN products/architectures are now "mature for scale deployments."

Gabriel Brown, Principal Analyst, Heavy Reading

November 6, 2024

Open RAN is getting closer to commercial viability at scale. More than half of respondents (58%) to the newly released Heavy Reading 2024 Open RAN Operator Survey expect their company to have "a scaled live deployment in a city, region, or larger area" by the end of 2025. Among larger operators — those with more than $5bn in annual revenue — 69% expect to have a scaled live deployment by the end of 2025. This data indicates that open RAN technology could be close to an important adoption threshold.
In conclusion, open RAN is making concrete progress and is increasingly embedded in vendor product roadmaps and operator deployment plans. At the same time, this article is a call for realism. Operators have a great responsibility to maintain reliable mobile network services — critical services we all rely on — and this inevitably forces a stepwise approach to scaling open RAN.

https://www.lightreading.com/open-ran/...n-ran-products-jumps-in-2024
 

Mobile with a total of over 8.3 million subscribers

But perhaps what excites me most is our progress in the mobile sector. In 2024, Rakuten Mobile launched commercial services using the 700 MHz “platinum band.” This, among many other improvements to our network, has helped us grow to reach a total of over 8.3 million subscribers.

Mobile phones are no longer just for communicating – they’re your wallet, your bank, your school and an indispensable tool of daily life. Rakuten Mobile’s embrace of revolutionary mobile technologies has allowed us to offer unlimited data for an affordable price, driving down average mobile subscription costs in Japan even as overall living costs continue to rise.

https://rakuten.today/mickeysvoice/...-why-im-excited-about-2025.html
 

Rakuten Viber, Smart bring ad-free experience, many more perks

January 11, 2025

Leading communications app Rakuten Viber and mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) are spreading some cheer to gift Smart Postpaid subscribers a 3-month free subscription of Viber Plus, the premium upgrade that levels up everyday chats especially this season of connection.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/11/...perience-many-more-perks/
 

Mobile, fintech and AI: Why I’m excited about 2025

Mickey Mikitani
CEO, Rakuten Group, Inc.

January 10, 2025

As we step boldly into another new year, I find myself energized by the transformative journey we’ve undertaken at Rakuten. In 2024, industries around the world experienced an unprecedented technological acceleration, amid which we not only achieved significant business milestones, but also reinforced our commitment to empowering digital innovation, making it accessible to individuals, communities, businesses and society on a global scale.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/...-excited-2025-mickey-mikitani-3qxcc
 

January 08, 2025

Pakistani banks led the ranking of Asia-Pacific (APAC) lenders with the best performing stocks in 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data.

Several banks from the region's developing economies outperformed those in traditional powerhouse nations in terms of total returns.

Japan was the only country with multiple lenders in the top 10 best performers, while the remaining spots were taken by one bank each from Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and the Philippines.
The ranking focused on Asia Pacific banks with market capitalizations above $100mn as of December 31.

Japan's SBI Sumishin Net Bank Ltd ranked third among banks in the region with the highest total returns, while Rakuten Bank Ltd was seventh, according to the Market Intelligence data.

Japanese companies, including banks, have benefited from monetary policy normalization after the nation's central bank ended its experiment with negative interest rates in March 2024.

https://mettisglobal.news/...d-apac-with-strongest-stock-performance/
 

Rakuten Bank has surpassed a deposit balance of 12 trillion yen.

January 7, 2025

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/47812816/..._ticket=1735814048151448
 

Rakuten Viber unveils new security solutions for businesses

November 13, 2024

Rakuten Viber has launched new solutions to further protect communication on the platform. Businesses can now quickly authenticate users to enhance trust and reduce fraud, making interactions more secure.

“Security is a part of Rakuten Viber’s DNA,” said Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber. “As 60% of online customers now prioritize security and transparency in communications with businesses, it is imperative to redefine trust. Our new solutions reinforce our commitment to safeguarding every brand-user interaction while solidifying our role as a secure super app. Our mission is to create a platform where everyone can engage seamlessly, with confidence in the privacy and integrity of their communications.”

The new security solutions are available to businesses worldwide on demand.

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/11/13/...er-businesses-security/
 

AST SpaceMobile secures long-term spectrum access to advance space-based cellular services

Jan 07, 2025

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has announced an agreement to access up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the United States. This addition will significantly enhance its direct-to-device satellite communications capabilities.

This agreement positions AST SpaceMobile to combine its existing low-band spectrum coverage in the continental United States with premium lower mid-band spectrum access, creating an enhanced framework for reliable and widespread connectivity. The company's advanced communications arrays, the largest deployed in low Earth orbit, will support this integration to deliver better performance across diverse applications.

https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/...ased_cellular_services_999.html
 

Viber Pay 101: Setting Up Your Account and Sending Money Instantly

By Eden Ezion
October 31, 2024

Viber Pay is your new go-to digital wallet within the Rakuten Viber messaging app. It lets you send money to friends and family securely, instantly, and for free. Currently available in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovakia, and Slovenia, Viber Pay is also coming soon to the Philippines. Imagine transferring money as easily as sending a message – that’s Viber Pay!

https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2024-10-31/...-sending-money-instantly/

 

Rakuten Rewards' Global Vision Widens with UK Service Launch

January 10, 2025

Rakuten Rewards is spreading its wings beyond North America to the rest of the world, starting with the UK! This brand expansion has been gaining momentum through 2024, right up to the peak year-end shopping campaign, incorporating promotions with local celebrities, influencers, and ads with a uniquely British flavor. RNN investigates this new venture, including the reasons for entering the UK, and the consumer response so far.

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

"I take the view that an improvement in operating profitability will put Rakuten in a position to command a more demanding valuation multiple. RKUNY has delivered a good set of results for Q3 2024, and I think that the company can turn operating income positive for full-year FY 2025.”

https://seekingalpha.com/article/...ty-inflection-point-reiterate-buy
 

Over 8.3 million subscribers

In our core internet services business, we achieved an estimated 6 trillion yen in annual domestic e-commerce gross merchandise sales for 2024. Our fintech services also continued to break new ground – Rakuten Card reached a quarterly milestone of 6 trillion yen in shopping transaction volume, while Rakuten Bank and Rakuten Securities surpassed 16.19 million and 11.65 million accounts respectively, cementing their places as the leading digital bank and online securities brokerage in Japan.

But perhaps what excites me most is our progress in the mobile sector. In 2024, Rakuten Mobile launched commercial services using the 700 MHz “platinum band.” This, among many other improvements to our network, has helped us grow to reach a total of over 8.3 million subscribers.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/...-excited-2025-mickey-mikitani-3qxcc