Rakuten Mobile Achieves World-First Satellite-to-Mobile Connection Using Standard 5G Smartphones

Rakuten Mobile has once again positioned itself at the forefront of telecommunications innovation by successfully demonstrating the world’s first direct satellite-to-mobile connection using standard 5G smartphones. This groundbreaking achievement, announced on April 23, 2025, represents a significant leap forward in the company’s mission to provide universal connectivity.

Comprehensive Connectivity Breakthrough: Voice, Data, and Text

The historic demonstration showcased a complete range of communication capabilities transmitted directly between satellites and regular smartphones. Users were able to conduct two-way voice calls with crystal-clear audio quality, exchange text messages with normal delivery speeds, and—most impressively—establish data sessions reaching speeds of up to 7 Mbps. These connections were achieved without any specialized hardware or modifications to the consumer smartphones, functioning exactly as they would on standard terrestrial networks.

Testing included various real-world usage scenarios, from basic web browsing and social media access to video calling and streaming services, all performed on standard smartphones connecting directly to AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite. The connection seamlessly integrated with Rakuten Mobile’s existing cloud-native network infrastructure, demonstrating the practical viability of the technology for everyday use.

Revolutionary Technology Bridges the Digital Divide

The demonstration, conducted in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, utilized AST’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite and standard, unmodified 5G smartphones on Rakuten Mobile’s network. This remarkable technological achievement enables direct communication between standard smartphones and satellites without requiring specialized equipment.

“This successful demonstration marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward universal connectivity,” said Tareq Amin, CEO of Rakuten Mobile.

Expanding the Rakuten Mobile Network Beyond Traditional Boundaries

The technology showcased in this demonstration will allow Rakuten Mobile to extend coverage to previously unreachable areas, including remote regions, maritime zones, and disaster-struck locations where traditional infrastructure has been compromised.

Key highlights of the demonstration include:

• Direct connection between unmodified smartphones and satellites
• Voice calls, data sessions, and text messaging capabilities
• Successful connection to Rakuten Mobile’s cloud-native Open RAN network
• Seamless integration with standard 5G infrastructure

The Future of Global Connectivity

This achievement represents a significant milestone in Rakuten Mobile’s ongoing partnership with AST SpaceMobile, which began in 2020. The collaboration aims to eliminate connectivity gaps worldwide by integrating satellite communication into everyday mobile service.

“Our mission has always been to create a more inclusive world through technology,” said Mickey Mikitani, Chairman and CEO of Rakuten Group. “This demonstration proves that satellite-based mobile connectivity isn’t just theoretical—it’s becoming a practical reality that will transform how we connect.”

Leading the Next Generation of Telecommunications

Rakuten Mobile continues to pioneer advancements in telecommunications technology, with this satellite-to-mobile breakthrough being the latest in a series of innovations. The company’s cloud-native, virtualized network architecture provides the flexibility and scalability needed to incorporate cutting-edge technologies like satellite connectivity.

As the telecommunications industry evolves, Rakuten Mobile remains committed to pushing boundaries and creating solutions that bring connectivity to every corner of the globe.

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