Credit to rockettank123
https://x.com/rockettank123/status/2088080807185281441?s=46
Credit: https://x.com/mwm76/status/2069378635602014597?s=46
Article:
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC229BO0S6A620C2000000/
Translated (paywalled)
Rakuten to launch satellite communications in Japan with US startup — taking on the three carriers using Starlink
Rakuten Group will establish a new company within 2026 to operate a satellite business in Japan together with US satellite communications firm AST SpaceMobile. It will purchase and operate satellites, using them for direct-to-smartphone communication. This positions it against the three other mobile carriers deploying SpaceX-style services.
Rakuten Group Chairman & President Hiroshi Mikitani disclosed this in an interview with Nikkei on the 23rd. The equity stake will be roughly equal, but structured so that Rakuten Group holds the leading/controlling position. As for the scale of investment ——— (paywalled)
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Will update if/when I find full text