Rakuten Group,Inc. and AST SpaceMobile have agreed to establish a new company, Rakuten AST Co., Ltd., to build satellite direct communications in Japan using low-Earth-orbit satellites and commercially available smartphones. Establishment is scheduled for 6 November 2026, with business operations targeted to begin in 2029.
Rakuten Group,Inc. and U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile agreed on 6 November 2026 to establish a new company, Rakuten AST Co., Ltd., to build satellite direct communications in Japan using low-Earth-orbit satellites and commercially available smartphones. Rakuten AST aims to strengthen Japan's domestic communications infrastructure and secure communications during disasters by building a satellite communications network and beginning domestic operations.
The project forms part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' public solicitation project, the Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Infrastructure Development Project for Securing Autonomy (J-LEO). A joint proposal by Rakuten's preparatory company and Rakuten Mobile was selected, and the companies are expected to receive up to approximately ¥148 billion over about 3 years through CIAJ. Rakuten AST plans to deploy and manage mid-band satellites jointly with AST and begin domestic operation of the satellite communications network during the project period.
Rakuten AST aims to establish a non-terrestrial network (NTN) in Japan and build resilient communications infrastructure that can be maintained during emergencies without being affected by external conditions. AST will use large antennas and its patent portfolio to provide video streaming and high-speed communications through direct smartphone connectivity, and is also considering offering the service overseas in the future. Rakuten Mobile is considering developing AI-based frequency management technology and solutions for industries such as IoT in the future.