Rakuten Mobile announced its plans to provide satellite-to-mobile service in Japan, targeting to start the service in 2026. These plans have been made in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones. The actual timing of the initiation of any such service and the scope of such service is uncertain.
The companies aim to provide direct satellite-to-mobile services that can be used not only for text messaging but also for broadband communication such as voice and video calls on commercially available smartphones.
Under their strategic partnership launched in March 2020, Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile have been working together on a planned space-based mobile service to provide service in Japan in the future using LEO satellites to provide direct communication with commercially available smartphones.
Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile will continue to work together with the goal of providing coverage across Japan, offering connectivity even in times of natural disasters.
Mickey Mikitani, Chairman and CEO, Rakuten Group; Chairman, Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile is committed to expanding mobile connectivity across Japan. Remote islands and mountainous regions present unique challenges that require innovative solutions, while the threat of natural disasters, coupled with the effects of climate change, has also heightened public awareness of the importance of mobile connectivity for daily life. We are proud to partner with AST SpaceMobile to bring their cutting-edge solutions to Japan by realizing satellite-to-mobile services, ensuring our customers would potentially enjoy mobile connectivity across Japan.