Wireless Engineer

Rakuten to bring satellite-to-cell service to Japan, expanding nationwide mobile connectivity. Last updated: June 24, 2026 11:22 am The Japanese telecom industry is gearing up for a paradigm shift as Rakuten Mobile collaborates with Lynk Global, an American company specializing in satellite communications, to launch satellite-to-cell services in Japan. The idea is to bridge the coverage gap through which standard mobile phones can be made to communicate with satellites when not covered by traditional mobile towers. This marks a major achievement in the rapidly changing face of the telecom industry in Japan where the telecom companies are looking into space for communication solutions in addition to using traditional 4G and 5G networks. Bringing mobile coverage beyond traditional networks. The planned service of Rakuten allows its users to send and receive messages through their regular cell phones without the need for dedicated satellite phones or other special devices. In place of depending exclusively on terrestrial mobile phone networks, users would be allowed to connect directly to satellites that act like "cell towers in space." Such technology would be extremely useful in mountainous locations, islands, remote rural areas, and areas affected by disasters wherein regular mobile services could have limited accessibility. A new phase for Japan's telecommunications industry. It should be noted that despite the fact that Japan possesses one of the best mobile systems in the world, providing full coverage within its territory proves to be difficult. Earthquakes, typhoons, and floods can cause destructions of the cellular infrastructure that result in the inability of the community to communicate during emergencies. Incorporation of satellite-to-cell technology will provide additional reliability of the mobile system through enabling communications even when no terrestrial infrastructure is available. The development of such a technology would prove especially beneficial for Japan as it strives to ensure readiness to cope with disasters. The project represents one of the trends in the modern telecommunication industry that implies the development of combined terrestrial and space networks instead of using only cellular towers. Expanding opportunities for enterprise connectivity. Apart from facilitating consumer communication, the system holds immense potential for companies that need to function throughout Japan. Various industries such as logistics, transport, agriculture, energy, shipping services, mining, and infrastructure management usually have to work in remote areas where the mobile network is not always consistent. The direct satellite connection will allow company employees or any connected devices to stay online irrespective of the place. Companies making use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, automated machinery, or field service operations will be able to enjoy uninterrupted internet without making huge investments in private communication networks. Strengthening Japan's digital infrastructure. The Rakuten's satellite project is consistent with the plans of Japan to develop its digital infrastructure further. Japan is one of the world leaders in the development of 5G networks, open RAN solutions, cloud-native systems, and smart cities. The integration of satellite communications with such investments will result in a much more flexible telecommunication infrastructure that will be able to deliver the new generation of digital services. With enterprises relying on cloud-based solutions, artificial intelligence, and devices, the availability of network becomes crucial. Satellite communications can be used both as an extension and backup to terrestrial networks. This cooperation demonstrates Japan's openness to collaborate with foreign space technologies companies and develop innovations together rather than build everything independently. Growing competition in direct-to-device satellite services. The Rakuten statement is made amid rising international competition in the direct-to-device satellite communications space. Tech firms and telcos across the globe are competing to launch services that enable traditional cell phones to establish connections with satellites. Many industry stakeholders are seeking the same goal through collaborations between mobile phone operators and satellite communication providers on the basis of their confidence in satellite-based connectivity becoming an integral part of future mobile networks. Early entry into the market gives Rakuten a chance to distinguish its mobile services as well as to strengthen its innovation-focused image. Being a pioneer of cloud-native mobile networks that utilize software-defined telecommunication technologies, Rakuten is in a favorable position for this new initiative. Business impact across Japan's technology ecosystem. Introduction of satellite to cell services will bring opportunities that go beyond the telecommunication industry. Hardware suppliers, semiconductor companies, satellite tech innovators, cloud service providers, security service firms, and systems integrators may all see opportunities as terrestrial-satellite connectivity gains momentum. Increasing access to uninterrupted connectivity could spur innovations in self-driving cars, agricultural technology, connected health, industrial robots, and AI-based remote surveillance systems. Software developers could design applications with connectivity at all times as a requirement, independent of the network's availability. Startups may see opportunities in designing services suitable for remote areas, disaster response, and industrial IoT projects. Looking ahead. This collaboration between Rakuten and Lynk Global indicates that satellite communications have entered the path of becoming mainstream services in Japan through providing connectivity that goes beyond the regular cell tower technology. This way, Rakuten is contributing to redefining the concept of nationwide connectivity amid digital transformation. As the technology evolves further, it can provide an opportunity to make Japan more resilient to telecommunications disruption, facilitate digital access, and create new possibilities for the next wave of businesses. For companies working in remote areas as well as individuals looking for reliable connections anywhere in Japan, this combination of mobile and satellite technologies could be among the greatest telecommunication innovations in the coming years.

PLDT and Smart deploy new technologies, strengthen partnerships to boost connectivity in GIDAs. Connecting an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands requires multiple solutions to ensure that the benefits of faster, more reliable, and more affordable internet can reach more Filipinos, enabling hybrid work set-ups, online learning, and the delivery of e-government and e-healthcare services in remote and far-flung areas. To achieve this, leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) continued to invest in network infrastructure and innovative technologies, as well as tightened their collaboration with government and industry stakeholders to overcome the challenges of connecting remote and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). "Our mission is simple: to deliver better internet that costs less and reaches more Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas. By working hand-in-hand with our partners in government, we believe we can roll out a stronger, more resilient network faster and more efficiently," said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Network Head and PLDT representative to the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC). Last year, PLDT and Smart explored innovative connectivity solutions to overcome deployment challenges in hard-to-reach locations. PLDT tested Radisys point-to-multipoint broadband wireless access technology, which delivers fiber-like speeds over-the-air through a single base node connecting to remote radio nodes in customer premises. The company also piloted Google's Taara laser communication technology, delivering fiber-like speeds using beams of light instead of undersea or underground cables, to sites like Talim Island in Rizal, Dipaluda in Isabela and Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City. Smart has also partnered with Lynk Global to enable direct-to-device satellite-powered mobile connectivity, allowing users to send SMS and use apps like WhatsApp even when cell services are unavailable. Aside from leveraging these technologies, PLDT and Smart also worked closely with government agencies, local government units, and PSAC to streamline permitting processes, remove bottlenecks in network builds and fast-track network rollouts, ensuring that connectivity reaches communities that need it most. Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer Boosting their public and private collaborations to ultimately benefit millions of Filipinos who depend on strong, stable connections for work, learning, and safety, PLDT and Smart have further solidified their partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), National Electrification Administration (NEA), tower companies, and other industry stakeholders, and continued to lead discussions highlighting Executive Order No. 32 and other regulatory policies aimed at accelerating network deployment and improving digital access nationwide. With PSAC and other major fixed line telcos, PLDT is also boosting connectivity for state universities and colleges in support of the government's efforts to enhance the delivery of education across the country and is in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Under "Konektadong CHED", PLDT envisions to expand connectivity to 220 SUCs by the first quarter this year, with the goal of reaching all 555 SUCs nationwide, benefiting between 5,000 to 10,000 learners and teachers per institution. Smart is also supporting the government's Bayanihan SIM initiative, which aims to bring mobile data connectivity to GIDAs. Under this DICT-led program, Smart is providing free TNT SIM cards pre-loaded with 25GB of data per month for 12 months, fully subsidized by the government, beneficiaries identified by the Department of Education. The initial waves of distribution were successfully held in June last year in Masinloc, Zambales province at Bani National High School - Coto Annex, Coto Elementary School, and Mandaloy Elementary School, and in December at Unidos Elementary School in Nabas, Aklan. PLDT's investments in innovating to enhance its network are aligned with the Group's broader thrust to deliver leveled-up services to customers nationwide. It also supports PLDT and Smart's commitment to national development through strategic partnerships that expand digital access and enhance the delivery of essential services, such as education. This also contributes to the PLDT Group's endeavors to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) including SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.