Ast Spacemobile IncRakuten is in talks with AST SpaceMobile for a joint venture, potentially bringing demand for its satellite technology.
Japan will grant up to 148 billion yen, equivalent to 912 million dollars, to Rakuten Group to help build a satellite communications network, the Communications and Information Network Association of Japan said on Tuesday. Rakuten is in talks with U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile to form a joint venture for the project. Japan currently relies on foreign services such as SpaceX's Starlink for low-orbit satellite communications and aims to develop domestic operators to strengthen economic security. Low-orbit satellite services allow smartphones and other devices to function outside cellular base station range or when disasters disable those stations.
Ast Spacemobile IncRakuten is in talks with AST SpaceMobile for a joint venture, potentially bringing demand for its satellite technology.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class A Common StockRakuten receives up to 148 billion yen government grant for satellite network.