Rakuten, primarily known as a mobile network operator and e-commerce company, is expanding its presence in the space industry through Rakuten Mobile. Rakuten plans to launch a satellite-to-mobile service across Japan in 2026 in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, utilizing LEO satellites to provide broadband communication directly to standard smartphones. They also offer Rakuten NEO, an AI-powered IoT solution for space management, enhancing operational efficiency for unmanned businesses. These initiatives aim to improve connectivity in remote areas and during natural disasters, with partners like AST SpaceMobile and Alicorn.
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AST SpaceMobile’s strategic partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.
Rakuten Mobile plans to purchase multiple AST SpaceMobile satellites to establish the network.
Rakuten Mobile plans to launch a Japanese joint venture with AST SpaceMobile for a satellite direct-to-device network.
Rakuten holds the 700 MHz band among Japan’s four mobile network operators.
AST SpaceMobile’s strategic partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.
AST SpaceMobile’s strategic partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group.
The initial research phase will use Rakuten Mobile’s Open Innovation Lab, established in 2022, to verify virtualized radio access network technology in satellite contexts.
Rakuten intends to integrate the project’s frequency-sharing protocols into its commercial network after the R&D cycle completes in 2031.
Rakuten Mobile, Inc. and the University of Tokyo were selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to lead an R&D project under the Space Strategy Fund.
Rakuten Mobile and the University of Tokyo began joint research and development into ultra-coverage IoT in November 2021.
Rakuten plans to complement the post-2031 integration with its planned 2026 launch of a broader mobile satellite service.
Rakuten is a founding partner and lead investor in AST SpaceMobile, the company pursuing a space-based cellular broadband network.
Hiroshi Mikitani is Chairman and CEO of Rakuten Group and Rakuten aims to ensure 100% geographical coverage for its customers.
AST SpaceMobile has strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group.
Rakuten Mobile plans to provide communications services in Japan using BlueBird satellites beginning in autumn 2026.
AST SpaceMobile has strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group.
Strategic partners of AST SpaceMobile include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group.
Rakuten Mobile plans to begin direct satellite-smartphone communication services in 2026 using the commercial satellite 'Bluebird' operated by AST SpaceMobile.
AST SpaceMobile is partnered with Rakuten Mobile in Japan, with service provision planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
AST SpaceMobile is partnered with Rakuten Mobile in Japan for service provision, which is currently scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.