KDDI announced that the international roaming service for "au Starlink Direct" in the United States will begin. This marks the world's first cross-border connectivity using direct satellite-to-smartphone service. Initial support will begin with the Google Pixel series, with plans to expand to more devices in the future.
In addition, "au Starlink Direct" supports popular chat and voice applications, including WhatsApp―used by more than 3 billion users across 180 countries worldwide―and Messenger. As a result, travelers can use not only chat messaging but also voice calls through voice apps while abroad.
All customers subscribed to "au Starlink Direct" can use international roaming while traveling in the United States without any application procedures. To use the service, customers must update their compatible devices to the latest software version in advance and enable the roaming setting.
Once these settings are completed, users who find themselves in the roughly 500k sq. miles of land in the United States (continental U.S., Hawaii, parts of Alaska, and Puerto Rico) [2] where no traditional cell signal reaches, T-Satellite with Starlink provided by T-Mobile [3] will automatically connect and international roaming via satellite communications will begin. When connected, "T Mobile SpaceX-au" will appear in the upper-right corner of the screen.
With the launch of international roaming, users can now share their experiences even in remote areas and destinations like Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon and virtually anywhere terrestrial cell towers can't reach. Like au Starlink Direct in Japan, T-Satellite with Starlink can also be used with satellite-ready apps, including Google Maps, WhatsApp and more and for communicating with emergency services if needed on compatible devices.
When used in combination with au Overseas Flat Rate (au Kaigai Hodai) and other au global services, customers can communicate seamlessly on their existing compatible smartphones in the United States without concern for whether they areas are in traditional coverage areas.
Looking ahead, KDDI plans to support T-Mobile's satellite communications services within Japan. Stefan Bewley, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer at T Mobile, commented as follows:
Through the launch of the world's first international roaming connectivity, KDDI will continue to evolve the power of connection and strive to create a society in which everyone can realize their aspirations.
"au Starlink Direct" is a service that directly connects smartphones to Starlink Direct to Cell satellites, bringing connectivity to areas where traditional cell service doesn't reach. In addition to text messaging, sharing location data, receiving emergency earthquake alerts, and consulting with an AI, users can also use data satellite communication with supported apps.
While au's network coverage boasts over 99.9% of the population, its area coverage is around 60% due to Japan's unique geography. "au Starlink Direct" extends connectivity to the remaining 40% of the country, providing essential communication for daily use and emergencies. The service is available to both existing "au" customers and customers who have contracts with other carriers.
Stefan Bewley, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer at T Mobile
Our partnership with KDDI reflects a shared commitment to innovation and expanding connectivity beyond traditional network limits. By combining T-Mobile's satellite capabilities with KDDI's, we're enabling customers to stay connected in more places, even outside conventional coverage areas. We look forward to continuing to advance global connectivity together.
