• 2 min read
Starlink Direct to Cell tops 5 million on NTT Docomo
More than 5 million NTT Docomo users in Japan had connected to Starlink Direct to Cell by July 9, 2026, just two and a half months after launch.
Image: iXBT
More than 5 million NTT Docomo users in Japan had connected to Starlink Direct to Cell by July 9, 2026, according to Starlink — a rapid ramp just two and a half months after launch.
The service lets compatible smartphones connect directly to Starlink satellites for messaging, app access, and data transmission in areas without conventional terrestrial coverage, including up to 12 nautical miles offshore. NTT Docomo launched the direct satellite connectivity service in Japan on April 27, 2026 as part of the rollout of Starlink Mobile (Direct-to-Cell) technology developed by SpaceX.
Other Japanese carriers, including SoftBank and KDDI, are also actively testing the technology. The new service is being positioned as a way to eliminate coverage blind spots and improve network resilience, especially in emergencies.
Recommended reading
Europe’s chip push won’t end US cloud reliance
NTT Docomo is Japan’s largest mobile operator. Its name is an abbreviation of the phrase “do communications over the mobile network” and also echoes the Japanese word dokomo, meaning “everywhere.”
Starlink Direct to Cell is a satellite technology from SpaceX that allows standard 4G (LTE) smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites without special antennas or terminals. In effect, the satellites act like cell towers in space, extending connectivity into dead zones.
Enterprise Editor
Marcus follows the money. He covers enterprise software, cloud architecture, and the tectonic shifts in Big Tech strategy. He translates dense earnings calls and complex M&A activity into actionable insights about where the industry is actually heading. If a tech giant makes a silent pivot, Marcus is usually the first to notice.
via iXBT
