Rakuten Mobile is promoting the “Space Mobile Plan,” which aims to provide communication services from space, surpassing terrestrial communication infrastructure. This article details the background, technical specifics, and future prospects of this innovative project.

Introduction

On February 16, 2024, Rakuten Mobile announced its goal to provide domestic services through direct communication between satellites and mobile phones by 2026. This plan aims to offer communication services directly from space, independent of terrestrial communication infrastructure. This article explores the details and significance of this plan.

Background of the Space Mobile Plan

Establishing communication infrastructure is a significant challenge, especially in remote areas such as mountainous regions and islands. To address this issue, Rakuten Mobile has been considering satellite-based communication services as a means of communication that does not rely on terrestrial base stations. The Space Mobile Plan was born as a result of these efforts.

Technical Details

The Space Mobile Plan uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide direct communication to mobile devices on the ground. This enables wide-ranging communication services beyond the coverage of traditional terrestrial base stations. LEO satellites are designed to achieve high-speed data communication and low latency, seamlessly integrating with terrestrial 4G and 5G networks.

Advantages of Communication from Space

Communication from space offers many advantages. Firstly, it can provide high-speed and stable communication services even in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is not established. Additionally, in the event of a disaster that destroys terrestrial communication infrastructure, communication from space can function as a backup. Furthermore, by achieving global communication coverage, it can eliminate international communication barriers.

Rakuten Mobile’s Vision

Through the Space Mobile Plan, Rakuten Mobile aims to redefine the future of communication. This plan has the potential to significantly impact society as a whole, beyond mere technological innovation. For example, it is expected to be applied in various fields such as remote medical care, education, and disaster response.

Future Prospects

The Space Mobile Plan has just begun. However, its potential is immeasurable. Rakuten Mobile aims to continue technological development and provide communication services from space to more people. Additionally, through cooperation with other companies and government agencies, it plans to contribute to the construction of global communication infrastructure.

Conclusion

Rakuten Mobile’s Space Mobile Plan heralds a new revolution in the communication industry. By providing communication services from space, surpassing terrestrial constraints, it becomes possible to deliver high-speed and stable communication to more people. We look forward to the progress of this innovative project.

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