Japan mobile wars: KDDI teams with newcomer Rakuten

'Better than having them join Docomo,' says President Takahashi

20181101 Rakuten KDDI

Rakuten was set to challenge Japan's big three mobile carriers. Now it has partnered with one of them -- KDDI.

MAO KAWANO and ISAO HORIKOSHI, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- KDDI and Rakuten said Thursday they will share each other's assets while competing to offer services in their respective fields, as the telecom operator debuts e-commerce services and the online retailer enters the mobile space.

The deal will allow Rakuten to use KDDI's network for its entry into the mobile market next fall, while KDDI can employ Rakuten's e-payment and logistics infrastructure.

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