KDDI Launches 1st Direct Satellite-to-Smartphone Service; Users Can Access Vital Apps in Areas Without Cell Coverage

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:14 JST, August 29, 2025

KDDI Corp. has launched a service that allows users to access maps and other essential apps even in mountainous regions and other areas with no cellular coverage.

Launched Thursday, the service uses U.S. company SpaceX’s Starlink satellite communication network to enable direct data communication between communication satellites and smartphones. KDDI previously launched Japan’s first service enabling text messaging via satellite in April but has now expanded its functionality.

Nineteen apps are supported by the new service, including Weathernews for critical weather updates; Google Maps for navigation; and X (formerly Twitter).

The service is currently available for Google’s latest smartphones, such as the Google Pixel 10 series. Apple iPhones are not supported at this stage.