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Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile Launch Joint Venture for Satellite Network in Japan

Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile Launch Joint Venture for Satellite Network in Japan

First seen 9 Nov 2026, 11:37 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •November 10, 2026 at 02:43 UTC
  • •Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile form a joint venture to enhance satellite communications in Japan.
  • •The project aims to establish a disaster-resilient network by March 2029, with significant government funding.
  • •Trial services connecting AST satellites to smartphones are expected to begin by the end of 2026.

Rakuten Group and AST SpaceMobile have established a joint venture, Rakuten AST, to create a satellite communications network in Japan by March 2029. This initiative aims to enhance Japan's communications infrastructure, particularly in disaster scenarios, and reduce reliance on SpaceX's Starlink. The Japanese government is providing approximately $936.78 million in subsidies to support this project. The joint venture will focus on direct-to-device (D2D) services using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, with Rakuten holding 51% of the voting rights. The companies plan to begin trial services connecting AST satellites with smartphones by the end of 2026. This move comes as Japan's major telecom operators currently utilize Starlink services. The project is part of Japan's broader strategy to bolster its telecommunications capabilities and ensure connectivity in emergencies.

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Timeline

2026-11-06
Joint venture Rakuten AST established
Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile agreed to form Rakuten AST to build a satellite communications network in Japan.
Telecomtv
2026-11-09
Government subsidies announced
The Japanese government will provide up to 148 billion yen to support the satellite network project.
Mainichi.Jp
2026-11-09
Trial service plans revealed
Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile plan to begin trial services connecting satellites with smartphones by the end of 2026.
SatelliteToday

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Common questions

What is the purpose of the joint venture?
The joint venture aims to create a satellite communications network to enhance Japan's infrastructure, especially during disasters.
How much funding is the project receiving?
The Japanese government is providing approximately $936.78 million in subsidies over three years.
When will trial services begin?
Trial services connecting AST satellites with smartphones are expected to start by the end of 2026.