SoftBank Corp. Launches “SoftBank Starlink Direct” to Provide Connectivity in Remote Areas

On April 10, 2026, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) began providing “SoftBank Starlink Direct” to customers in Japan. The service lets customers of SoftBank’s mobile services (‘SoftBank,’ ‘Y!mobile’ and ‘LINEMO’) connect directly to Starlink’s LEO satellites, enabling the usage of text messages, data communications and emergency communications in areas without cellular coverage across Japan, such as mountainous regions and at sea.

SoftBank Starlink Direct can also be used as a means to communicate during emergencies and disasters. Starting from April 13, selected apps provided by SoftBank’s group companies, such as “LINE,” “PayPay,” and “Yahoo! JAPAN,” will also be available for use, in stages, with SoftBank Starlink Direct.*

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For full details on service areas, compatible devices and apps, please visit this site (in Japanese).

Delivering reliable connectivity for everyday adventures, and emergencies

At a press conference held on April 10 to unveil SoftBank Starlink Direct and other new services and price plans, Executive Vice President Hiroyuki Terao noted that 82 devices offered by SoftBank are compatible with SoftBank Starlink Direct, and that customers signed up to applicable ‘SoftBank’ or ‘Y!mobile’ price plans will be able to use the service at no additional cost.

Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales at SpaceX and Starlink, commenting on the service launch by way of video message, said, “Starlink partnering with SoftBank will enable millions of customers to stay connected in remote areas where traditional coverage wasn't possible. Together, we'll deliver reliable connectivity during everyday adventures and keep people connected when it matters most—during natural disasters and emergencies.”

Operation thoroughly tested before launch

Ahead of the SoftBank Starlink Direct service launch, SoftBank engineers conducted extensive field tests across Japan. Basic functions, such as whether the network display on the device operated correctly and whether messages could be sent and received without significant delay, were thoroughly tested. Using measurement equipment, SoftBank teams confirmed that communication speeds met theoretical calculations, and that there was no notable degradation in communication quality or impact on SoftBank’s network.