Japan Backs a Rakuten–AST Satellite-to-Phone Network With ~$926M
Japan moved to back a Rakuten–AST SpaceMobile direct-to-phone satellite network with ~$926M; AST shares jumped 21%, with nationwide service targeted for FY2027.
TL;DR — Japan moved to back a Rakuten–AST SpaceMobile direct-to-phone satellite network with about $926 million in support, sending AST SpaceMobile shares up 21%; the 50/50 venture aims for nationwide service by fiscal 2027.
Your phone may soon connect straight to a satellite in Japan — with the government’s backing. On June 29, 2026, news of a ~$926M push sent AST SpaceMobile soaring.
The deal
Japan moved to back a direct-to-phone satellite network from Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile with about $926 million (¥150 billion over three years). AST SpaceMobile shares jumped 21% to $86.77 — their best day in roughly two years. The link uses Rakuten’s 700 MHz band, with ministerial rules to be revised in September; the planned 50/50 venture (Rakuten-led) targets limited service in 2026 and nationwide coverage in fiscal 2027.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Government support | ~$926M (¥150B / 3 yrs) |
| ASTS reaction | +21% to $86.77 |
| Spectrum | Rakuten 700 MHz |
| Nationwide | FY2027 |
What they said
Rakuten plans "to form a new joint venture for satellite operations with AST SpaceMobile in 2026." — Hiroshi Mikitani, Chairman & CEO, Rakuten (to Nikkei)
Why it matters
- Sovereign connectivity. Japan backs an alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink direct-to-cell.
- Spectrum drove the choice. Rakuten turned to AST partly because it lacks the band Starlink uses.
- Direct-to-cell heats up. Government money accelerates a fast-emerging market.
FAQ
What is Japan supporting with $926 million?
A Rakuten–AST SpaceMobile direct-to-phone satellite network, with about $926 million (¥150 billion over three years). The 50/50, Rakuten-led venture uses Rakuten’s 700 MHz band and targets nationwide service by fiscal 2027.
Why did AST SpaceMobile stock jump?
News of Japan’s roughly $926 million backing sent AST SpaceMobile shares up 21% to $86.77 — their best day in about two years — as it validated the company’s direct-to-cell satellite model against rivals like SpaceX’s Starlink.
Sources
- Stocktwits — Japan’s $926M Rakuten–AST satellite network
- Yahoo Finance — ASTS, Rakuten launch with Japan nod
Image: AST SpaceMobile logo by AST SpaceMobile — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
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