Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile form joint venture for satellite communications in Japan
ASTS•Rakuten Group and AST SpaceMobile agreed to establish Rakuten AST, a joint venture to build a direct-to-device satellite communications network in Japan. Rakuten will own 51% and AST SpaceMobile’s Japanese subsidiary 49%; the venture expects up to JPY 148 billion in government support over approximately three years, with operations targeted by the end of March 2029.
1. Joint venture structure
Rakuten Group agreed on Nov. 6, 2026, to establish Rakuten AST with AST SpaceMobile. Rakuten will own 51% of the venture, while AST SpaceMobile’s Japanese subsidiary will hold 49%.
2. Network plans
AST SpaceMobile will supply satellites for a network designed to connect directly to commercially available smartphones. Rakuten AST expects up to JPY 148 billion (approximately USD 1 billion) in government support over approximately three years under J-LEO, and domestic operations are targeted to begin by the end of March 2029. The companies said the network would strengthen communications resilience during disasters and other emergencies.
