Rakuten Mobile and US-based AST SpaceMobile successfully conducted Japan's first direct communication video call between a low-orbit satellite and a commercial smartphone in April 2025. The companies plan to launch "Rakuten Saikyo Satellite Service Powered by AST SpaceMobile" by Q4 2026. Rakuten Mobile aims to enable broadband communication supporting video viewing, video calls, and SNS usage, differentiating from traditional text message-focused services.

AST's BlueBird satellite features an enormous antenna equivalent to half a tennis court, capable of capturing weak smartphone signals. Any LTE-compatible smartphone can be used without device replacement. Rakuten Mobile holds an exclusive contract to provide AST SpaceMobile services in Japan.

The service is expected to achieve 100% population coverage nationwide, eliminate communication disparities in mountainous areas and remote islands, and ensure resilient communication infrastructure during disasters. KDDI, NTT Docomo, and SoftBank have already launched or scheduled services using Starlink satellites, accelerating next-generation communication infrastructure development via satellite communications.