Rakuten and Amazon Collaborate on Satellite Communications in Japan from 2026

Rakuten Group Inc., a Japan-based company, plans to launch satellite communications with Amazon from 2026. The company operates through three business segments: Internet Service, FinTech, and Mobile. The Internet Service segment focuses on e-commerce, advertising, and sports facilities. The FinTech segment provides banking, securities, and insurance services. The Mobile segment offers communication and digital content services.

Rakuten Group Inc., a prominent Japanese technology conglomerate, is set to enter the satellite communications market in Japan by 2026, partnering with Amazon.com. This strategic move aims to bring voice and data services to remote areas currently lacking ground infrastructure. The initiative, announced by Nikkei, underscores the companies' commitment to expanding their technological reach and enhancing connectivity in underserved regions [1].

Rakuten Group operates across three primary business segments: Internet Service, FinTech, and Mobile. The Internet Service segment focuses on e-commerce, advertising, and sports facilities, while the FinTech segment provides banking, securities, and insurance services. The Mobile segment offers communication and digital content services. The partnership with Amazon aligns with Rakuten's broader strategy to leverage its extensive digital infrastructure to drive innovation and growth [3].

Amazon's entry into the Japanese market is part of its broader satellite communications strategy, aiming to provide global coverage and improve connectivity in remote areas. The partnership with Rakuten Group signifies a significant step in this direction, leveraging Rakuten's established presence in Japan to facilitate the deployment of satellite-based communication services [2].

The joint venture is expected to launch as early as 2026, with a focus on reaching isolated mountain regions and remote islands. This initiative not only addresses the connectivity gap in Japan but also positions the companies at the forefront of next-generation communication technologies. The partnership underscores the potential of satellite-based communications to revolutionize how people access and utilize digital services, particularly in areas traditionally underserved by traditional telecommunication networks.

References:
[1] https://asia.nikkei.com/business/telecommunication/rakuten-and-amazon-race-to-bring-satellite-based-phone-service-to-japan
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/rakuten-group-and-amazon-com-plan-to-enter-japan-s-satellite-communications-market-as-early-as-2026-ce7c51dfde8ef221
[3] https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/rakuten