AST SpaceMobile’s LEO test satellite BlueWalker 3
The partners aim to offer direct satellite-to-mobile services that can be used not only for text messaging, but also for broadband communication such as voice and video calls on commercially available smartphones.
In Japan, a country with a high risk of natural disasters and many remote islands and mountainous regions, there is a growing need for space-based communication services using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, according to the companies. These services are crucial when major disasters strike or when base stations and other network infrastructure suffer damage.
During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake of 2024, recovery routes were cut off, causing a delay in the emergency response. LEO satellites can enable mobile phone connectivity irrespective of conditions on the ground. Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile work together with the goal of providing connectivity across Japan, including mountainous regions and remote islands, offering connectivity even in times of natural disasters.
“Rakuten Mobile is committed to expanding mobile connectivity across Japan. Remote islands and mountainous regions present unique challenges that require innovative solutions, while the threat of natural disasters, coupled with the effects of climate change, has also heightened public awareness of the importance of mobile connectivity for daily life. We are proud to partner with AST SpaceMobile to bring their cutting-edge solutions to Japan by realising satellite-to-mobile services, ensuring our customers would potentially enjoy mobile connectivity across Japan,” said Mickey Mikitani, Chairman and CEO of Rakuten Group and Chairman of Rakuten Mobile.
AST SpaceMobile’s LEO test satellite, BlueWalker 3, was launched in September 2022. One year later, the company completed the world’s first 5G connection for voice and data between an everyday, unmodified smartphone and a satellite in space, achieved initial download speeds of 14Mbps, and made 4G video calls and 5G cellular broadband connections. These speeds, beyond supporting basic voice and text, enable internet browsing, downloading files, using messaging apps, streaming video, and more on conventional smartphones.
Rakuten invested in AST SpaceMobile’s space venture in 2020. Further investors include AT&T, Google and Vodafone.
