In order to get the product in the hands of customers, AST SpaceMobile is partnering with the major telecommunications providers such as AT&T and their equivalent carriers in other countries to bring direct connection satellite internet as an add-on service you can pay for through your internet bill. According to management, its partners have 3 billion combined existing customers that it can upsell this internet service to.
But when will the service be ready? Sooner than you think. As of the latest quarterly update, AST SpaceMobile said it will enable satellite internet connectivity in the United States at some point in 2025, leading to between $50 million and $75 million in revenue in the back half of the year. The company generates close to zero revenue today. This revenue will include commercial contracts as well as deals with the United States government.
There are six satellites in orbit today, with plans to get 45 to 60 in orbit through 2026 to enable service in other markets such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Eventually, the service will be available in all markets globally.
Huge investments, but a large opportunity
Running some quick estimates, you can see how large the potential market opportunity is for AST SpaceMobile as the only provider of direct internet connectivity for telecommunications providers today.
For example, if it can drive 100 million customers to sign up for AST SpaceMobile's service at $10 a month in revenue sharing for the company, that is $12 billion in annual revenue. It will not show up immediately, but you can see why management is confident it can quickly scale up revenue to a $100 million annual run rate in the United States from a standing start this year. Remember, too, it has an existing partnership with the U.S. government that will bolster sales.
Quality Panels and Local Expertise in Asia, US & Beyond
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Country Winner at the Global Finance World's Best Consumer Digital Bank Awards for 11th Consecutive Year
August 26, 2025
Rated as the best digital bank for individual customers in Japan
Rakuten Bank Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President & CEO: Tomotaka Higashibayashi, hereinafter referred to as "Rakuten Bank") is pleased to announce the "Country Winner" awarded to the country's best digital bank at the "Global Finance World's Best Consumer Digital Bank Awards" sponsored by Global Finance magazine, a U.S. financial magazine. It has been awarded for 11 consecutive years.
The "Global Finance World's Best Consumer Digital Bank Awards" are a survey of Internet banking services in the world by the editors of Global Finance magazine and Infosys, a global leader in consulting technology outsourcing, will jointly evaluate business models and innovations to select outstanding banks. This year was the 26th time it was held.
Country Winner Category: Best Consumer Digital Bank and Best Digital-Only Bank
Rakuten Bank was awarded the "Country Winner" award for the following points: Rakuten Bank clearly differentiates itself from its competitors through its digital-first and app-centric approach Customers can enjoy a seamless experience through strong collaboration with the Rakuten Group's broader ecosystem Customers can use multiple services with a single Rakuten Group ID. to benefit from a full loyalty program
Rakuten Bank will continue to provide attractive products and services to customers.
In this closing session of DSP Leaders World Forum 2025, experts from Juniper Networks, Rakuten Symphony, the NGMN Alliance and the University of Cambridge reflect on what the telecom industry must do today to prepare for 6G. The panel challenges the pace and structure of traditional ‘G-cycles’, calling for greater collaboration with vertical industries, a stronger focus on coverage and simplicity, and a more agile innovation ecosystem. Topics include network sensing, AI at the edge, energy and infrastructure readiness, and how telcos can avoid repeating the mistakes of 5G while embracing real-world use cases and faster feedback loops.
Featuring: Anita Döhler, CEO, NGMN Alliance Geoff Hollingworth, CMO, Rakuten Symphony Prof. Harald Haas, University of Cambridge Neil McRae, Chief Network Strategist, Juniper Networks
Libuda
: From $4.47 Billion 2025 to $46.73 Billion 2032
From USD 4.47 Billion in 2025 to USD 46.73 Billion by 2032
Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) Market Size:
Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) Market size is estimated to reach over USD 46.73 Billion by 2032 from a value of USD 3.25 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by USD 4.47 Billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 34.1% from 2025 to 2032.
Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) Market Scope & Overview:
Open radio access network (open RAN) refers to a mobile network architecture that promotes interoperability and flexibility in radio access networks by using open interfaces and disaggregating hardware and software components from different vendors. It aims to shift from the traditional, closed, and proprietary RAN models towards a more open and programmable ecosystem. Moreover, open radio access network (open RAN) offers several benefits, including reduced vendor lock-in, interoperability, increased flexibility and scalability, cost savings, enhanced security, and others.
Libuda
: Rakuten Mobile Launches SAIKYO Protection
Rakuten Mobile Launches "SAIKYO Protection" Service to Strengthen Smartphone Safety and User Confidence Comprehensive digital protection, including Norton Mobile Security, available for 990 yen (tax included) per month
Tokyo, August 26, 2025 – Rakuten Mobile, Inc. today announced the launch of "SAIKYO Protection," an advanced optional service designed to deliver robust security and peace of mind for smartphone users. Available from today for a monthly fee of 990 yen (tax included), SAIKYO Protection integrates comprehensive digital protection, featuring Norton Mobile Security, alongside a suite of services addressing cybersecurity concerns from data privacy to malware defense and incident response. First-time subscribers to the service will benefit from a complimentary three-month trial period.
Rakuten's Q2 2025 results are more than a quarterly win—they represent a strategic inflection point. By monetizing its mobile ecosystem, embedding AI into core services, and leveraging cross-segment synergies, the company is building a scalable, self-reinforcing platform. For investors seeking exposure to Asia's AI-driven tech-financial ecosystem, Rakuten offers a compelling combination of near-term profitability and long-term innovation.
What you need to know about AT&T's spectrum deal with EchoStar
Aug 26, 2025
While it's hard to imagine how EchoStar's Boost Mobile brand will continue to compete in the wireless market without spectrum, it doesn't appear to be going anywhere. The operators have struck a hybrid MNO deal that will allow Boost to continue operating using a combination of its own cloud-native 5G core and AT&T's cell sites.
“This strategic move allows us to continue serving Boost Mobile customers while taking important steps to both resolve the FCC’s spectrum utilization concerns and place EchoStar on more stable financial ground,” said EchoStar COO John Swieringa in a post on LinkedIn. “With this news, we will continue to compete in the U.S. wireless market as a hybrid MNO, offering our customers connectivity through Boost Mobile’s cloud-native 5G core and AT&T’s cell sites.”
Rakuten's Q2 performance underscores the power of cross-segment collaboration. The Mobile Ecosystem Contribution—a newly formalized metric—reveals how Rakuten Mobile subscribers drive activity across the group's services. For instance, mobile users are 30% more likely to engage with Rakuten Ichiba and Rakuten Travel compared to non-subscribers, creating a flywheel effect. This interdependence boosted the Mobile segment's EBITDA to ¥5.6 billion, despite Non-GAAP operating losses narrowing by ¥13.9 billion YoY.
The Internet Services segment, including Rakuten Ichiba and Rakuten Travel, reported ¥324.5 billion in revenue (up 6.8% YoY) and ¥19.1 billion in Non-GAAP operating income (excluding minority investments). Meanwhile, FinTech revenue surged 14.8% to ¥232.7 billion, driven by Rakuten Card's ¥6.5 trillion in shopping gross transaction value (GTV) and Rakuten Payment's 57.2% YoY income growth. These results highlight how Rakuten's ecosystem model—where mobile users fuel e-commerce and fintech adoption—creates compounding value.
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