AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) is set to form a joint venture with Rakuten Group later this year to offer direct-to-mobile communications in Japan, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday, citing an interview with Rakuten Group CEO Hiroshi Mikitani.

The venture will acquire and operate satellites for the service, the news outlet said. According to Mikitani, the companies will have about equal shares in the venture, with Rakuten to lead management. Financial details were not disclosed.

Mikitani also told Nikkei Asia that the venture aims to roll out the direct-to-mobile communications service in phases starting at the end of 2026, then nationwide in fiscal 2027 and potentially globally in the future.

AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comments.

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