Story perspectives

Japan Grants ¥150B for Rakuten LEO, Opens 700 MHz Band

7/2/2026

Summary

Japan Funds LEO

Japan's Ministry pledged up to ¥150 billion to Rakuten Mobile for a LEO network.
The subsidy will cover half satellite, launch and ground costs for three years, require video calling by fiscal 2028, and involve a partnership with AST SpaceMobile for a launch in October-December 2026 quarter.
Japan will amend rules by September 2026 to open the 700 MHz band for satellite-to-smartphone links, citing a 2025 threat to cut Starlink service to Ukraine.

Summary

Rakuten Launches LEO

Low-Earth orbit satellites will keep smartphones online during natural disasters that disable ground-based towers, the project’s spokesperson said.
A ¥148 billion investment and a joint venture with U.S. AST SpaceMobile aim to cut reliance on foreign operators such as SpaceX’s Starlink and deliver nationwide mobile-satellite service.
Rakuten Group’s presence in e-commerce, finance and telecom positions it as a central domestic player in the new satellite communications effort.

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Japan Funds LEO

Japan's Ministry pledged up to ¥150 billion to Rakuten Mobile for a LEO network.
The subsidy will cover half satellite, launch and ground costs for three years, require video calling by fiscal 2028, and involve a partnership with AST SpaceMobile for a launch in October-December 2026 quarter.
Japan will amend rules by September 2026 to open the 700 MHz band for satellite-to-smartphone links, citing a 2025 threat to cut Starlink service to Ukraine.

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