SpaceX’s Starlink has announced a new partnership with Japan’s largest wireless carrier, NTT Docomo. The two companies will launch a satellite direct-to-device (D2D), also known as direct-to-cell (DTC), service in early 2026 that will allow compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites when traditional cellular coverage is unavailable.
According to Docomo, the offering will allow users with certain LTE-compatible smartphones “to send and receive text messages and use compatible apps for data communication in areas where terrestrial base station communications have not been available until now, such as mountainous regions, remote islands and at sea, as well as in areas where terrestrial communications facilities have been damaged during disasters.”
This capability is made possible by Starlink’s growing fleet of dedicated DTC satellites. Unlike its broadband satellites, which operate at higher altitudes, these satellites orbit approximately 360 kilometres above Earth and feature integrated cellular base station technology. Starlink currently has more than 650 of these satellites already in orbit, enabling them to communicate directly with standard mobile devices without requiring additional hardware.
While Japan already enjoys strong nationwide coverage through traditional networks, Docomo notes that geographic barriers and natural disasters still create connectivity gaps. The company said, “there are still areas where radio waves cannot reach due to geographical constraints. Furthermore, in the event of a large-scale disaster, such as an earthquake or typhoon, there is a non-negligible risk that terrestrial communications facilities will be cut off, leaving affected areas isolated.”
With more than 92 million mobile subscribers, Docomo’s adoption of Starlink’s DTC technology could have a significant impact on connectivity across Japan. However, the company has not yet announced pricing details, supported smartphone models, or an exact launch date.
Docomo is not alone in pursuing satellite-enabled cellular connectivity. Rival Japanese carrier KDDI launched its own nationwide Starlink-powered DTC service in 2025, while SoftBank is also preparing to roll out a similar offering using Starlink’s network.
