AST SpaceMobile, Rakuten Agree to Form Joint Venture for Japan Satellite Network

• AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten agreed on November 6, 2026, to establish Rakuten AST to build a direct-to-device satellite communications network in Japan.
• Rakuten will hold 51% of voting rights in the venture; its partner's Japanese subsidiary will hold 49%.
• The venture expects up to JPY 148 billion, approximately USD 1 billion, in support over roughly three years under Japan's J-LEO project.
• Domestic operations are targeted by the end of March 2029, providing direct smartphone connectivity in underserved areas and during emergencies.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. AST Spacemobile Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via Business Wire (Ref. ID: 20261109243455) on November 09, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.