Rakuten Mobile's own brand terminal "Rakuten Mini" has emerged a problem that a specific frequency cannot be used.The trouble was reported on Twitter.Band 1 (2 (2) (2) (2), which is described in some individuals on a part of the specification.It was reported that 1GHz band) was not available.
On the other hand, Rakuten Mobile has revised the description on the site on the 10th.It is an unprecedented situation that the corresponding frequency changes later and varies depending on the lot.
The frequency change seems to be the lot after May.According to the manufacturing number published by Rakuten Mobile, the previous "35167610680487" is a Band 1 compatible, and the subsequent ones are not supported.Instead of Band 1 is gone, Band 4 (1) that is not in the original specific table (1).7GHz / 2.Compatible with 1GHz band) and Band 5 (850MHz band).
Band 4と5の追加は、Rakuten Miniの米国対応を強化したかったためです。元々のRakuten Miniは、対応周波数の関係で、米国のローミング先（非公開ながら、AT&TとT-Mobileと見られる）にほとんど接続することができませんでした。これを改善しようとした際に、Band 1が何らかの事情で削除されてしまいました。周波数が近いため、技術的に両対応は難しかったのか、別の意図で外したのかは定かではありません。
On the other hand, Rakuten Mobile is Band 3 (1).It has only 8GHz band), and the frequency of domestic roaming destinations is limited to Band 18/26 (800MHz band).In each case, the frequency is compatible with the new lot Rakuten Mini, so the Rakuten Mobile Public Relations Department "If you use it on the Rakuten line and partner lines, the impact on the service due to the change in the corresponding frequency band will be".No. "
Certainly, Rakuten Mobile's own line or on the au line that the company calls a partner line can be used without Band 1.That said, the Band 1 is listed on the Rakuten mini specification, so if it cannot be used, it may cause an advantageous misconception, which is not a praise.For this reason, Rakuten Mobile states, "If there is a strong request, we will consider replacement response if you can call" (Public Relations Department).
However, it does not mean that Band 1 has no impact on non -supporting.Rather, as mentioned below, there are problems from multiple perspectives.
The first problem is that the corresponding carrier is narrowed.Rakuten mini is a carrier terminal, and is sold alone as a SIM -free smartphone.Because of ESIM -only, there are restrictions on carriers that can be used, but in domestic carriers, IIJmio's full MVNO line is available.It is also possible to write a profile of overseas carrier that supports ESIM and use it in Japan as a roaming overseas.
It is no exaggeration to say that Band 1 is the most important frequency band when using another company line.DOCOMO, which IIJ borrows a line, has built an area nationwide based on Band 1, so it can not be used by other companies in Japan.The AU and SoftBank areas are quite large, and when connecting to these carriers with roaming carrier ESIM, it can be hindered.
The second problem is international roaming.Band 1 is a frequency band adopted not only in Japan but also in Europe and Asia.Although it is not as good as Band 3, which is widely used globally, there are many carriers that use Band 1.
If it is not compatible with Band 1, the area may be limited when connecting to such a carrier network.International roaming is a service provided by Rakuten Mobile itself.Needless to say, the area should not be narrowed without notice.
The third is the worst case, but there are also skill problems.Looking at the authentication information of the old specification Rakuten mini, you can see that it has received construction design certification in Band 1.In the case of Rakuten mini, it is not possible to communicate with the frequency that has acquired the skill, so it seems that it can be communicated at a different frequency that is different from the skill, but it seems that it does not hit the Radio Law, but Rakuten.Mobile states that "we are currently confirming that re -applications are needed."
It is only software that has changed, but if the radio wave characteristics have changed, you may have to change the acquired skill.The new version of the new version is still the same, so in the worst case, it is forced to collect or suspend sales.In fact, in the past, ASUS's ZenFone Max Pro (M2) had inadvertently distributed products with the same name created for overseas, and stopped collecting and selling.
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Rakuten Mini was released for about 20,000 yen, and was popular because of its value and compact size.On the other hand, the number of contractors in Rakuten Mobile itself has been sluggish, and on May 27, a campaign will be started at 1 yen for a new contract and simultaneous purchase.Due to the results, the sales ranking rose rapidly.According to the BCN ranking, on May 28, the day after the campaign started, it was the leader in the date and time ranking.
There is a bad impression because of the trouble at the timing of attracting attention, but the reduced frequency band that can be used in Japan after the release is the motto of Rakuten Mobile, which is the motto of the common sense.Of course, in a bad sense.I feel that I wanted to make it possible for the user to choose either, rather than reviewing the notation, as it seems that the specifications can be changed with software.
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