Rakuten Mobile has announced that it plans to offer satellite-to-cellular services in Japan, aiming to launch the service in 2026 in partnership with AST SpaceMobile. This company is creating the first space-based cellular broadband network that can be accessed directly via regular smartphones. The exact timing and scope of the service are uncertain and depend on various factors beyond Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile's control.
Enhancing Connectivity Across Japan
The goal is to provide direct satellite-to-cellular services that go beyond text messaging to include broadband communication like voice and video calls on everyday smartphones. In Japan, where natural disasters are common and there are many remote islands and mountainous areas, there is a growing need for space-based communication services using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These services are crucial during disasters when ground infrastructure is damaged. LEO satellites will ensure mobile connectivity regardless of ground conditions, helping in emergency situations.
Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile are working together to provide connectivity across Japan, including its mountainous regions and remote islands, even during natural disasters. Their partnership, established in March 2020, focuses on offering a space-based mobile service in Japan using LEO satellites for direct communication with regular smartphones.
After launching AST SpaceMobile's LEO test satellite, BlueWalker 3, in September 2022, the two companies achieved the world's first two-way voice calls in April 2023, connecting Midland, Texas, to Tokyo, Japan, using standard smartphones. Rakuten Mobile also obtained experimental test station licenses for mobile communication tests in Japan in November 2022.
5G Connection Between Smartphone and Satellite
AST SpaceMobile's testing program has achieved significant milestones, including the world's first 5G connection for voice and data between a regular smartphone and a satellite in space, reaching download speeds of 14 Mbps, and successfully completing 4G video calls and 5G cellular broadband connections. These speeds support various activities like internet browsing, file downloading, messaging, video streaming, and more on regular smartphones.
Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile will continue working together to provide coverage across Japan, ensuring connectivity even during natural disasters. Mickey Mikitani, Chairman and CEO of Rakuten Group and Chairman of Rakuten Mobile, emphasized the importance of expanding mobile connectivity in Japan, especially in challenging areas like remote islands and mountainous regions.
The partnership with AST SpaceMobile aims to bring innovative satellite-to-cellular services to Japan, enhancing mobile connectivity for customers across the country.
