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Network

au Starlink Direct

A direct-to-phone satellite service for compatible au smartphones outside ordinary au 5G/4G coverage, subject to device, software, location and supported-feature conditions.

It is a supplementary outdoor coverage route, not a replacement for normal mobile data or a Starlink home dish. A clear view of the sky may be needed, connection can take time, and it is unavailable where ordinary au coverage or Wi-Fi is being used.

Supported phones, applications, message or data functions, countries and price can change. As of the official August 2026 page, unsupported general web browsing, video and social applications cannot use the satellite link. Update the phone and confirm the official compatibility list before travelling.

Dictionary

Related guides

3G mobile networksurī-jī
An older mobile generation used for voice and low-speed data. Japanese carriers have retired or scheduled the retirement of their 3G services.
4G / LTEfō-jī / eru-tī-ī
The mature mobile generation that carries most everyday smartphone data and, with VoLTE, voice calls across broad coverage areas.
5G mobile networkfaibu-jī
The mobile generation designed for higher capacity, lower latency and many connected devices, deployed with several frequency bands and network architectures.
5G SA / Standalonefaibu-jī esu-ē
A 5G architecture using a 5G core network rather than relying on a 4G core and 4G control connection as non-standalone 5G does.
ADSLē-dī-esu-eru
An older broadband technology that sends data over a copper telephone line. Major Japanese consumer ADSL services have ended or are being retired.

Sources

Japan Phone Guide

A personal information site about mobile phones in Japan — made and kept up by one person, not a company or a carrier. It does not sell contracts.

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The information here is shared in good faith but may be incomplete, out of date or wrong. Use it at your own risk: no responsibility or compensation is accepted for any loss, cost or disadvantage arising from this content or from anything done based on it. Always confirm with the official source — and, where it matters, a qualified professional — before you decide.

Plan names, prices and conditions were checked against the linked official sources as of 2026-08-29 (JST). Terms can change; confirm the official page before applying.

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© 2026 Japan Phone Guide. Official source: 総務省 / MIC.