docomo enables Starlink on smartphones — free at launch across all plans

NTT DOCOMO will launch "docomo Starlink Direct" on April 27, enabling smartphones to connect directly to SpaceX's Starlink satellites.

The service will be free and available to all DOCOMO plans, including ahamo, with no application required for the time being.

It supports SMS/RCS/iMessage, location sharing, emergency alerts, and data for supported apps, and covers nationwide Japan and territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles.

84 DOCOMO smartphone models are supported after a software update, and satellite data will not count against users' plan data allowances.