• VIVA to modernize its network and operations with Open RAN, OSS, cloud and AI-enabled digital platforms.
• Network modernization will help VIVA accelerate innovation, improve customer experiences and create new opportunities to monetize digital ecosystem services.

Tokyo and Santa Cruz – Rakuten Symphony, Inc. and Nuevatel PCS de Bolivia S.A., operator of VIVA Bolivia, one of the country's most innovative mobile networks, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore a phased strategic collaboration that will support VIVA's network modernization and long-term digital ecosystem transformation, beginning in Bolivia.

Under the MOU, Rakuten Symphony and VIVA will evaluate possibilities across Open RAN, OSS, cloud infrastructure, professional services and AI-enabled digital platforms. The companies will initially focus on evaluating cloud-native technologies that simplify network operations while identifying new opportunities to expand digital services for customers across Bolivia.

"Operators are looking beyond network modernization to create more agile platforms that support new services, better customer experiences and sustainable business growth," said Sharad Sriwastawa, President, Rakuten Symphony. "With a cloud-native network and AI-driven operations, VIVA will gain the flexibility to innovate faster with a platform to deliver the next generation of digital services."

The agreement follows executive and technical planning sessions that established an initial implementation roadmap. The companies are now progressing toward planning and validation for the first phase of the strategic collaboration.

Ryan Alvarez, CEO of VIVA Bolivia, added, "Modernizing our network in Bolivia is not a single project, but the foundation of a larger journey. VIVA is evolving into a digital ecosystem where connectivity, commerce, payments and personalized services come together in one experience for our customers. Collaborating with Rakuten Symphony gives us a cloud-native platform to launch new services faster, improve the customer experience and operate more efficiently, and Rakuten's own path from online services into mobile is a model we know works."

Rakuten Symphony and VIVA will continue to evaluate additional opportunities across digital platforms, customer engagement, digital commerce and emerging AI-enabled services, beyond the current scope of this collaboration.