Rakuten to Launch Satellite Communications by End of 2026 Using US AST SpaceMobile, Video Calling Strategy Against Starlink

Rakuten Group announced a partnership with US satellite communications provider AST SpaceMobile to launch direct satellite-to-smartphone communication services by the end of 2026. While other major carriers already offer SpaceX's satellite communication services, Rakuten plans to differentiate through video calling capabilities. Rakuten Group and AST plan to establish a new Japanese subsidiary within 2026 to purchase and operate satellites for direct smartphone communication, with a global business expansion strategy that includes disaster recovery applications.