docomo Starlink Direct, a Direct Satellite-to-Smartphone Communication Service with Starlink Satellites, to Launch on April 27

NTT Docomo, Inc. (hereinafter "Docomo") will launch "docomo Starlink Direct" (hereinafter "this service"), a direct satellite-to-smartphone communication service utilizing "Starlink Mobile" satellite communication services provided by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (hereinafter "SpaceX"), starting Monday, April 27, 2026, to realize an "always-on, anywhere" network. With the launch of this service, NTT Docomo Business, Inc. (formerly NTT Communications Corporation, hereinafter "NTT Docomo Business") will begin handling it for corporate customers.

This service will be available free of charge for the time being*2 and without prior application*3 to approximately 22 million customers*1 subscribed to any pricing plan, including "ahamo." To use this service, a compatible device, an update to the latest software*4, and a Docomo UIM card or eSIM*5 compatible with this service are required.

By using this service, it will be possible to check weather, maps, and location even in environments where communication was previously unavailable, such as mountainous areas, remote islands, and at sea*6. In the event of a disaster, it will also be possible to secure communication means with family members. Please refer to the attached sheet for details on compatible devices and applications.

Docomo and NTT Docomo Business aim to realize an "always-on, anywhere" network through this service and contribute to the safety, security, and convenience of society.

*1 Number of customers using compatible devices among those subscribed to Docomo's pricing plans (as of the end of February 2026).

*2 If the terms of service change, we will notify you on the "Docomo website" and other channels. In addition, SMS transmission fees using this service will be provided free of charge for the time being. Data communication will also be excluded from the data usage of your subscribed pricing plan for the time being.

*3 Available outdoors without obstructions, except when within Docomo's 4G/5G area or connected to Wi-Fi.

*4 For details on the latest software compatible with this service, please check the "service page."

*5 Some Docomo UIM cards may not be able to use this service. For details on how to exchange for a Docomo UIM card compatible with this service, please check the "service page."

*6 Data communication with compatible apps requires the use of a Docomo-designated ISP. Also, for customers using Docomo's "Anshin Security" on iPhone with the "Dangerous Site Countermeasures" function ON, data communication may not be available for some apps.

* About Starlink Mobile

Starlink Mobile is the world's only and largest constellation of 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, providing data, voice, video, and messaging to remote devices.

Connecting millions of users across 6 continents, Starlink satellites work with existing LTE-enabled mobile phones anywhere with a clear view of the sky.

Equipped with the world's most advanced phased array antennas, Starlink satellites function like cell towers in space, seamlessly connecting the Starlink network to any point on Earth via laser communication, enabling network integration with roaming partners.

Starlink is the world's largest 4G coverage provider, partnering with mobile network operators worldwide.

For more details, visit here and follow @Starlink on X.

https://starlink.com/business/mobile

* This release is one of the initiatives of "NTT C89," the brand for space business developed by NTT Group companies.

https://group.ntt/jp/aerospace

* "NTT C89" is a trademark of NTT Corporation.

　It is an abbreviation for "NTT CONSTELLATION 89 PROJECT," an initiative to contribute to the expansion of space-related businesses and the development of the entire space industry through providing solutions to society.

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Attachment
　　　　　　　　　　　　Overview of "docomo Starlink Direct"

■ Service Start Date

Monday, April 27, 2026

■ Eligible Customers

Customers subscribed to any pricing plan, including "ahamo."

■ Monthly Fee

Available free of charge for the time being*1.

■ Application Method

No application required.

■ Covered Area

Nationwide and territorial waters (12 nautical miles from the coastline)*2

■ Compatible Devices

84 models of Docomo smartphones compatible with satellite communication*3

　

■ Available Functions*4

• Text message sending/receiving (SMS/RCS/iMessage)

• Current location sharing*

• File sending/receiving (RCS/iMessage)*

• Information search with Gemini on Android smartphones*

• Data communication via compatible apps

• Emergency alerts "Area Mail" (receiving Earthquake Early Warnings, Tsunami Warnings, and National Protection Information among disaster/evacuation information)

* Available within text messaging apps.

■ How to Use

For iOS: After updating to the latest software*5, ensure "Satellite Communication" is ON in the settings screen.
For Android: You can use it by updating to the latest software*5.

■ Compatible Apps

Among the apps provided by Docomo, the following apps are compatible with this service. For other compatible apps, please check the "service page." Please note that some functions may have limitations*6.