KDDI and Okinawa Cellular announced the expansion of international access for "au Starlink Direct," their direct-to-device satellite communication service, powered by Starlink Mobile.
Starting August 31 (Japan Time), the service will support the Philippines and New Zealand, adding to its existing international coverage in the United States and Canada.
With this expansion, customers will be able to connect directly to Starlink Mobile's technology in remote areas beyond the reach of traditional cellular networks. Coverage works best with a clear view of the sky. As with au Starlink Direct in Japan, customers can use supported applications for text messaging, location sharing and other services. Customers already using au Starlink Direct in Japan will also be able to access satellite data connectivity in out-of-coverage areas within the supported countries without any application procedures for free for the time being.
Travelers to the Philippines can now stay connected outdoors even when exploring pristine nature, such as island hopping and diving around El Nido on Palawan Island and other remote resort destinations.
In New Zealand, the service offers peace of mind during outdoor adventures, ensuring hikers and sightseers can stay in touch while exploring the country's world-famous, rugged national parks and remote wilderness.
Since the launch of au Starlink Direct international access in the United States and Canada, many customers have used satellite connectivity while traveling abroad, particularly during holiday periods. KDDI remains committed to expanding the global footprint of "au Starlink Direct," leveraging Starlink Mobile's satellite technology to realize the "power to connect" and build a world where seamless communication is accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Eric Tanbauco, Head of Globe's Consumer Mobile Business
Globe has always been at the forefront of connectivity innovation, and extending our Starlink journey into international access is the next step in that direction. Through our partnership with KDDI, we are exploring how Starlink Mobile's satellite-enabled connectivity can help overcome network boundaries and create a more seamless travel experience for customers.
Mark Beder, Chief Customer Officer, Spark
This is a great example of what can be achieved when operators work together to improve connectivity for our respective customers. By enabling access to Starlink Mobile's satellite-powered text and light data services when overseas, we're helping travellers stay connected in places where traditional mobile coverage isn't available. KDDI is a valued partner for Spark, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to deliver new connectivity options for both Spark and KDDI customers when travelling between our markets.
