Connect to satellites for 990 yen per month: LINEMO Starlink Direct
Have you ever had trouble because your smartphone couldn't get a signal in the mountains, at sea, or during a disaster?
SoftBank has announced that starting September 1, 2026, it will allow users of its low-cost LINEMO plan to use the "SoftBank Starlink Direct" satellite communication service and international data roaming at no additional cost.
Users on eligible plans, including the lowest-priced "LINEMO Best Plan" (990 yen per month for up to 3GB), will be able to use these services without changing their current contracts.
1. Satellite communication available even on the 990 yen plan
The eligible plans are the "LINEMO Best Plan" and "LINEMO Best Plan V".
From September 1st, if you sign up for the "SoftBank Starlink Direct" option (1,650 yen per month), the full fee will be discounted, making it effectively free.
It is expected that signing up will no longer be necessary starting from winter 2026.
2. What you can do with Starlink Direct
Compatible smartphones will communicate directly with Starlink satellites overhead, enabling SMS, RCS, international SMS, and data communication for some supported apps even outdoors where terrestrial signals do not reach.
It is expected to serve as a means of communication in the mountains and at sea, and as a backup during disasters.
3. Points to note when using
Voice calls and emergency calls (such as 110 and 119) are not supported.
It cannot be used in places where the sky is obstructed, such as inside buildings or under trees, and updates to compatible operating systems (iOS 26.4 or higher, Android 15 or higher) are required.
It is not a complete replacement for regular communication, so it is appropriate to consider it for emergency use.
4. International data roaming also included
In eligible countries and regions (over 200) for the "Overseas Easy Flat Rate," up to 7 days of data usage per month will be provided at no additional cost.
However, until winter, only 1 to 7-day plans are eligible, and use requires enrollment in "World-Compatible Mobile" and procedures on a dedicated website.
5. Summary
It is a major evolution to be able to get communication means for out-of-service areas and overseas while staying on the lowest-priced 990 yen per month plan.
It can be said that this update is worth considering as a secondary line for disaster prevention using dual SIM.
See you later
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