AST SpaceMobile Wins $1B Japan Grant, Accelerating Satellite Phone Rollout

AST SpaceMobile and partner Rakuten secured a Japanese government grant valued at approximately $1 billion. The Communications and Information network Association of Japan (CIAJ) selected the companies for the J-LEO program.

This initiative aims to enhance Japan's satellite communication infrastructure. The grant supports the deployment of a direct-to-device satellite network across the country.

The funding accelerates AST SpaceMobile's commercial rollout in a key international market. It also strengthens the company's joint venture with Rakuten to provide nationwide satellite-to-cellular services.