Japan's $2B J-LEO Satellite Race Nears Decision This Month

Japan is set to choose a proposal this month for its J-LEO satellite network project. The initiative aims to create a domestically owned and operated direct-to-device (D2D) network. It seeks to reduce reliance on foreign systems like SpaceX’s Starlink. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has allocated around $1 billion in subsidies for J-LEO. The winning operator must match this with private funding, bringing the total cost to about $2 billion. The network is expected to cover the entire country by March 2029, with all control systems based in Japan.

Three main candidates are in the running. Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile plan a joint venture using 700 MHz spectrum, which Rakuten exclusively holds. KDDI and SpaceX have formed a consortium, highlighting SpaceX’s global experience and proposing trials with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. MDA Space is another contender, with Mitsubishi Electric already selected to build advanced satellites for Japan’s Ministry of Defense.

The network must support video calls on standard smartphones for at least 70% of the day. It will also enable free roaming across carriers during emergencies. The J-LEO project will help Japan secure independent satellite communications. It will provide nationwide coverage and ensure domestic control of network operations. The selected operator will need to meet strict technical and financial requirements.