Rakuten, AST SpaceMobile Form Joint Venture for Satellite Communications in Japan

Rakuten Group agreed Nov. 6, 2026, to establish Rakuten AST with AST SpaceMobile to build Japan’s direct-to-device satellite communications network. * The joint venture will be 51% owned by Rakuten, with AST SpaceMobile’s Japanese subsidiary holding 49%. * Rakuten AST expects up to JPY 148 billion (approximately USD 1 billion) in government support over approximately three years under J-LEO. * AST SpaceMobile will supply satellites for the network, enabling connectivity directly to commercially available smartphones. * Domestic operations are targeted to begin by the end of March 2029, strengthening communications resilience during disasters and other emergencies. Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Rakuten Group Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief on November 09, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. © Copyright 2026 - Public Technologies (PUBT) Original Document: here

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