Japan’s two largest wireless carriers are planning satellite-to-smartphone services through SpaceX’s Starlink network, following rival KDDI’s launch earlier this year, Nikkei reported.
NTT Docomo and SoftBank intend to roll out direct satellite connectivity by summer 2026, marking a shift in strategy for both companies. The move comes months after KDDI became Japan’s first carrier to offer nationwide satellite messaging through Starlink in April.
The services would extend mobile coverage to remote areas including mountains and isolated islands where traditional cellular signals fail, theoretically reaching nearly all of Japan’s land area. Yet the business case remains uncertain in a country where terrestrial networks already cover more than 99% of the population.
Docomo’s pivot is particularly notable given its existing partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite network. SoftBank, meanwhile, had previously aligned with OneWeb and Intelsat for satellite connectivity.
The rush to satellite services reflects mounting competitive pressure in Japan’s mature telecom market, where all four major carriers now pursue similar non-terrestrial strategies. Rakuten Mobile has partnered with AST SpaceMobile for a 2026 launch.
Whether satellite connectivity justifies the investment for carriers in one of the world’s most densely networked countries remains an open question. The technology addresses edge cases rather than mainstream demand, potentially limiting subscriber uptake and revenue opportunity.
