“Rakuten Mobile is cheap, but isn’t the signal poor?” Many people hesitate to switch due to this concern. However, as of 2026, Rakuten Mobile’s communication environment has undergone a dramatic evolution.

The area coverage issue, long considered its “weak point,” is becoming a thing of the past thanks to the full-scale operation of the Platinum Band and the groundwork for satellite communication. In this article, we thoroughly verify the latest 2026 signal conditions based on actual measurement data and user reviews.

1. Why was it said that it “doesn’t connect”? (Past Background)

The main reason Rakuten Mobile was previously evaluated as “hard to connect” lay in the characteristics of the frequency bands it used.

• Weakness of High-Frequency Bands: Rakuten Mobile primarily used frequency bands with strong directivity but poor ability to wrap around buildings and obstacles. Consequently, signals tended to be blocked inside thick concrete buildings, underground, or in mountainous rural areas.
• Developing Base Stations: As a relatively new carrier, the number of base stations was smaller compared to the three major carriers (Docomo, au, SoftBank), which was a cause for area shortages.

However, this situation has changed completely since 2024.

2. The Revolutionary Change Brought by the “Platinum Band”

The operation of the Platinum Band (700MHz band), which began in 2024, is the biggest turning point in Rakuten Mobile’s communication quality.

What is the Platinum Band?

The Platinum Band is a frequency band with characteristics that make it easy to wrap around obstacles and reach long distances. By utilizing this “golden frequency,” Rakuten Mobile has dramatically improved connectivity in the following locations:

• Subways and Underground Malls: Stable communication is now possible in places that used to be out of service.
• Indoors and Office Buildings: It is easier to pick up signals even when not near a window.
• Rural and Suburban Areas: The signal coverage range has expanded, significantly reducing the risk of being “out of service” in suburbs.

3. 【2026 Latest】 Current Status from Actual Measurement Surveys

As of April 2026, measurement surveys and user questionnaires reveal the following trends:

• Urban Areas: Over 80% of respondents said it is “comparable to other carriers.” Data speeds in subways, in particular, are at a level that wipes away the old image of poor connectivity.
• Rural/Suburban: While still slightly behind major carriers in some mountainous or depopulated areas, it has reached a level where it can be “used without problems” on major roads and residential areas.

4. Outlook for Late 2026: Expectations for Satellite Communication Services

Rakuten Mobile’s evolution doesn’t end with the Platinum Band. In the fourth quarter of 2026, the “Rakuten Saikyo Satellite Service” is scheduled to launch in full swing. This will realize a communication environment that knows no bounds, such as in mountainous areas, at sea, or for emergency communication during disasters.

5. Summary: Time to Let Go of the “Doesn’t Connect” Stereotype

In conclusion, Rakuten Mobile in 2026 has completely shed its former label of “not connecting.” If you are paying high fees to other companies just because you are worried about the signal, it might be a wasted choice. First, check the official area map to see if your living area is covered.

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