Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile plan satellite network for Japan by 2029
Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile plan to build a satellite network in Japan through a new joint venture.
Rakuten will hold 51 percent of the voting rights in the company, named Rakuten AST, and manage and operate the service.
The companies aim to have the network ready by the end of March 2029, with a trial linking AST satellites to smartphones planned by the end of 2026.
The service is intended to connect directly to smartphones and keep communications available if disasters damage mobile phone base stations.
It could also provide service to remote islands and mountainous areas.
Japan has offered up to 148 billion yen in subsidies over three years, partly to reduce reliance on SpaceX's Starlink for economic security reasons.
The project adds a Japanese satellite option as major carriers including NTT Docomo, KDDI and SoftBank use Starlink.
Rakuten Group and AST SpaceMobile plan to establish a joint venture to create a satellite communications network in Japan by the end of March 2029.
The new company, Rakuten AST Inc., is expected to be established in November 2026, with Rakuten holding 51 percent of its voting rights.
The project aims to connect satellites directly with smartphones and provide communications when disasters damage ground base stations.
Japan’s government has decided to provide up to 148 billion yen in subsidies over three years.
The companies also plan to begin a trial connecting AST satellites with smartphones by the end of 2026.
- Who
- Rakuten Group and U.S. satellite manufacturer AST SpaceMobile.
- What
- They plan to establish a joint venture to create a satellite communications network in Japan.
- When
- The joint venture is planned for November 2026, with the network targeted by the end of March 2029.
- Where
- Japan.
- Why
- To strengthen communications infrastructure, including during disasters, and reduce reliance on SpaceX’s Starlink.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rakuten announced plans to establish a joint venture with AST SpaceMobile.
The companies plan to begin a trial connecting AST satellites with smartphones.
The companies aim to create a satellite communications network in Japan.
- Joint venture
- Rakuten AST Inc.
- Rakuten voting rights
- 51 percent
- Government subsidies
- Up to 148 billion yen ($936.78 million) over three years
- Network target
- End of March 2029
- Trial service
- Planned by the end of 2026
What people are saying
The satellite will be Japanese, while Rakuten will be responsible for its management and operation.