AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten Group Establish Joint Venture for Satellite Network in Japan

AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten Group are forming a joint venture to build a satellite-based cellular broadband network in Japan. The project could receive up to 148 billion yen (about $1 billion) in government support over three years through Japan’s J-LEO satellite infrastructure project. Rakuten will own 51% of the venture, with AST SpaceMobile Japan Holdings II GK holding 49%; the companies aim to begin domestic operations by the end of March 2029, complementing terrestrial wireless networks.