KDDI to offer Starlink's Direct to Cell connect with "au" mobile service

KDDI has announced a successful demonstration of its upcoming Starlink Direct to Cell service that enables ubiquitous access to texting on "au" smartphones. The demonstration, conducted in Kumejima, Okinawa Prefecture, confirmed that "au" smartphones, even when out of KDDI terrestrial service coverage, could directly connect with the Starlink Direct to Cell satellite, located at an altitude of several hundred kilometers, and send and receive SMS messages.

Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters.

Leveraging Starlink Direct to Cell satellites and KDDI's national wireless spectrum nationwide, enabling connectivity in dead cell zones as long as there is a clear view of the sky. This will enhance KDDI's cellular connectivity to areas beyond the limits of traditional 4G and 5G networks including remote islands and mountains, providing peace of mind when customers need it most.

Additionally, regarding the realization of direct communication between Starlink Direct to Cell satellites and smartphones in Japan, KDDI provided necessary information, including the results of sharing studies with other systems, contributing to the formulation of technical conditions. This demonstration was conducted with a license for field testing.