On April 2, NTT Docomo announced that starting April 27, its スマートフォン (sumaato fon) users will be able to connect directly to SpaceX’s low Earth orbit satellites. The new service, called docomo Starlink Direct, will be available free of charge for the time being, with no application required—even for users on the ahamo plan.

Direct Satellite Communication from Your Phone

The key feature of docomo Starlink Direct is simple but groundbreaking: your smartphone can communicate directly with Starlink satellites without going through a ground-based cell tower.

In Japanese, the announcement explains that smartphones can send and receive signals directly with satellites in low Earth orbit. As long as you are outdoors and can see the sky, you may be able to use the service—even in areas that were previously out of coverage.

This is especially important for:

• Mountainous regions
• Remote islands
• At sea
• During natural disasters

Japan is a country with many mountains and frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. Securing a backup communication method has long been a major concern. This service addresses that need directly.

What You Can Do with Starlink Direct

Even outside traditional cellular エリア (eria, coverage areas), users will be able to:

• Send and receive text messages via SMS, RCS, and iMessage
• Share their current location
• Receive emergency alerts (エリアメール)
• Use supported アプリ (apuri, apps) for データ通信 (dēta tsūshin, data communication)

On Android devices, users can also use Gemini for searches.

However, the satellite connection will not activate if you are already in Docomo’s 4G/5G coverage area or connected to Wi-Fi (waifai). The satellite system acts as a backup rather than a replacement for standard mobile networks.

Supported Apps and Devices

Several Docomo-provided apps are compatible with satellite communication:

• Docomo Mail (Android version)
• Disaster Kit (iOS/Android)
• d Payment (iOS/Android, with some feature limitations)
• SmartNews for docomo (Android)
• Imadoko Search (Android)

The service is available to all Docomo pricing plans, including ahamo. SMS sending fees will also be free for the time being. Notably, satellite データ通信 (dēta tsūshin) will not count toward your monthly data allowance.

The coverage area includes all of Japan and its territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline).

Supported models include 84 Docomo smartphones that are compatible with satellite communication. To use the service, a software アップデート (appudēto) is required.

For iPhone users, you must confirm in the settings screen that satellite communication is turned on. Android users simply need to install the latest software version.

Both physical UIM cards and eSIM (īshimu) are supported. However, some older UIM cards are not compatible and may need to be replaced.

In addition, NTT Docomo Business will begin offering the service for corporate customers.

Cultural Context: Why This Matters in Japan

Japan’s geography makes communication infrastructure challenging. Roughly 70% of the country is mountainous, and many communities are located on remote islands. Add to that the constant risk of earthquakes and typhoons, and reliable communication becomes not just convenient—but essential.

Emergency alerts, known as エリアメール (eria mēru), are a standard part of life in Japan. Phones automatically receive warnings about earthquakes, tsunamis, and severe weather. Expanding that capability to satellite communication adds another layer of resilience.

Rather than building more cell towers in extremely remote areas, satellite communication offers a practical alternative.

Learn Japanese from This Article

Let’s turn this tech news into a language lesson.

Key Vocabulary

Notice how many of these are loanwords written in katakana. Modern Japanese tech vocabulary relies heavily on adapted English terms—but their pronunciation follows Japanese sound patterns.

Grammar Spotlight 1: 〜ことができる (Can Do)

This pattern expresses ability.

Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + ことができる

Examples:

• 衛星と通信することができる。 Eisei to tsūshin suru koto ga dekiru. You can communicate with satellites.

• 圏外でもメッセージを送ることができる。 Kengai demo messeeji o okuru koto ga dekiru. You can send messages even outside coverage.

In news articles, this structure often explains features or capabilities.

Grammar Spotlight 2: 〜にて (Formal “at/in”)

The article uses にて in expressions like:

• 全料金プランにて当面無料 Zen ryōkin puran ni te tōmen muryō Free for the time being on all pricing plans.

〜にて is a formal, written version of で. You’ll often see it in news reports, business announcements, and official statements.

Useful Expression

• 当面無料 (tōmen muryō) — free for the time being

This phrase is common in service announcements and marketing campaigns.

Continue Learning

To understand more about direct, explore our Writing Practice: Crafting Initial Paragraphs lesson.

Major telecom news like this shows how modern Japanese blends technology, disaster preparedness, and everyday communication. By reading real-world articles, you not only expand your vocabulary—you also see how Japanese is actually used in society.

これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.