Rakuten TV Expanded Enterprise Streaming Services Globally
The streaming provider has launched its enterprise FAST services in the US, the Middle East, and Japan.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Entertainment — General
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Rakuten TV has expanded its enterprise division to international markets, bringing its free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services to the US, Japan, and the Middle East. The expansion aims to leverage the technical infrastructure and streaming expertise the company previously refined in the European market.
Why it matters
This move marks a major scaling effort for Rakuten TV, which looks to capitalize on the growing demand for Western cinema content within the Middle Eastern FAST ecosystem and global streaming sectors. By providing technical integration in Japan and licensing channels in new territories, the company is positioning itself as a central player in the global streaming infrastructure market.
Rakuten TV currently manages more than 120 owned and operated FAST channels in Europe. This international expansion follows the division's unveiling at MIPCOM in 2024.
The players
Rakuten TV
A European-headquartered streaming service that provides both premium content and free ad-supported streaming television channels.
Rakuten Group
A Japanese technology conglomerate that operates the R Channels platform and is coordinating with Rakuten TV for its domestic integration.
The details
Rakuten TV has already debuted its Comedy and Action channels on the TCLtv+ app in the US and will roll out its Top Movies and Action channels in Saudi Arabia and the UAE by the end of 2026. In Japan, the company is serving as the technical integrator for the R Channels platform operated by the Rakuten Group.
Timeline
Rakuten TV Enterprise was unveiled at MIPCOM in 2024.
The international expansion was formally announced on October 12, 2026.
Channels are scheduled for launch in the UAE and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This strategic move mirrors the broader industry trend of established streaming providers looking to export proven FAST infrastructure to high-growth international markets. By diversifying beyond its European roots, Rakuten TV is positioning itself to compete more aggressively in the global landscape against established streaming conglomerates.
Viewers in the US can already access Rakuten TV content through the TCLtv+ application. Audiences in the Middle East and Japan will gain access to specialized channel offerings and integrated platforms as the company rolls out its services over the next two years.
The takeaway
The expansion of Rakuten TV highlights the increasing demand for aggregated, ad-supported streaming content across diverse international regions. Viewers globally can expect a broader variety of licensed Western cinema and action content as the platform expands its infrastructure into new territories.
What happens next
Rakuten TV is scheduled to launch its Top Movies and Action channels in the UAE and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on the evolving global landscape of streaming technology, visit the Entertainment — General section.
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Does the increase in available streaming and FAST channel options improve your viewing experience?
