Japan steps up satellite ambitions as telcos expand beyond terrestrial networks

Japan is stepping up efforts to extend its communications infrastructure into space, with two initiatives announced this week highlighting different approaches to satellite connectivity: a government-backed direct-to-device (D2D) network led by Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile, and a broader mega-constellation initiative involving NTT Docomo Business and four other Japanese companies.

The more immediate deployment plan comes from Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile, which have established Rakuten AST, a joint venture tasked with building a satellite communications network in Japan. The project has been selected for support under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ J-LEO program and is expected to receive up to JPY148 billion (approximately $1 billion) over about three years.

AST SpaceMobile will supply satellites compatible with mid-band spectrum for the Japanese-flagged constellation, with domestic operations targeted to begin by the end of March 2029. The network is intended to connect commercially available smartphones directly to satellites, extending broadband coverage to areas with limited or no terrestrial connectivity and helping maintain communications during natural disasters and other emergencies. The plan also includes a framework for emergency inter-carrier roaming among mobile operators.

Rakuten Group chairman and chief executive officer Mickey Mikitani highlighted the strategic importance of the project in a LinkedIn post, writing: “Our mission to democratize connectivity has reached new heights.” He described Rakuten AST as a step toward disaster-resilient communications infrastructure and a sovereign satellite network that can help strengthen Japan’s vital infrastructure. The venture also plans to explore AI edge computing and AI-driven spectrum management, although these are development areas rather than services already being deployed.

A separate initiative points to a wider ambition to develop commercial services using satellite constellations. NTT Docomo Business, Mitsubishi Electric, NTT, MUFG Bank and Development Bank of Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding to examine the technical and business feasibility of a mega-constellation business. The potential applications extend beyond communications to Earth observation, positioning, navigation and timing, and space data centers.

The five companies intend to combine their respective expertise in satellite and ground systems, telecommunications, finance and business development. For now, however, the initiative remains at the study and feasibility stage; the companies have not announced a deployment schedule or a commercial constellation.

Together, the announcements underscore how Japan’s space strategy is expanding from satellite connectivity toward a wider infrastructure ecosystem. They also raise familiar questions for the telecom industry: how to integrate different network layers, manage spectrum and deliver reliable connectivity across increasingly complex environments.

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