KDDI to reduce au network roaming services for Rakuten Mobile

KDDI is scaling back its au network roaming services for Rakuten Mobile, effective October 2026. The company has released an interactive coverage map allowing users to compare roaming footprints between September and October 2026.

Data indicates that roaming coverage zones in major urban centers, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, will contract significantly in certain districts. These reductions are most notable in densely populated commercial and residential sectors where Rakuten Mobile has progressed with its own independent infrastructure deployment.

KDDI stated that the roaming agreement was a temporary measure intended to support Rakuten Mobile while the latter built out its proprietary physical base station network. As Rakuten Mobile expands its own footprint, KDDI is systematically winding down the network-sharing provisions.