Rakuten and Amazon race to bring satellite-based phone service to Japan

Government approvals expected in 2026 as Starlink's dominance challenged

20250818 satellite

Satellite-based communications services promise to bring voice and data service to smartphone users in remote areas that lack ground infrastructure.

KIU SUGANO

TOKYO -- Japanese technology conglomerate Rakuten Group and rival Amazon.com of the U.S. plan to launch satellite-based communications providers in Japan as early as 2026 that will be able to reach isolated mountain regions and remote islands, Nikkei has learned.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.