KDDI Corporation is a major Japanese telecommunications carrier that is expanding its role in the space industry, focusing on providing enhanced connectivity solutions. It partners with companies like SpaceX to deliver satellite-to-cellular services, aiming to connect remote areas and improve network resilience using Starlink's LEO satellites. KDDI is also involved in initiatives like the MUGENLABO UNIVERSE program, fostering collaboration between startups and established companies to develop new space-related businesses, including lunar communication networks and virtual simulations of space environments.
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KDDI already offers direct-to-device capabilities through Starlink.
The $10 million seed round was led by Alpha Funds, KDDI Green Partners Fund, and Unlock Venture Partners.
Ocean Solution Technology has partnered with KDDI Corporation and JAXA.
KDDI and Okinawa Cellular expanded the domestic coverage area of the satellite-to-smartphone direct communication service au Starlink Direct by about twofold on January 29, 2025.
SpaceX announced that 'Starlink Direct' has officially exited beta and is now live for unmodified 5G phones across its partner carriers, including T-Mobile, KDDI, and Optus.
Three organizations, Sankei Engineering, KDDI Research, and the National Institute of Polar Research, successfully transmitted 3D point cloud data and video in real time between Japan and Showa Station in Antarctica using SpaceX's Starlink service.
KDDI Research Institute and Kyoto University successfully developed a new frequency-modulated photonic crystal laser on November 26.
KDDI is partnering with international players and is also maintaining a broad information gathering strategy for domestic satellite support.
KDDI emphasizes the importance of providing multiple services and value-added features alongside satellite communication for customer usage.
KDDI's Yuki Shida states that improving terrestrial communication quality is their mission, and they will continue initiatives like 'au Starlink Direct' to cover unconnected areas.
KDDI currently has around 650 operational Starlink satellites, and increasing this number would expand satellite communication capabilities.
KDDI will provide the smartphone and satellite direct communication service 'au Starlink Direct' in the United States through a partnership with T-Mobile.
KDDI was selected as a contractor for JAXA's space strategy fund for developing and demonstrating a lunar-earth communication system, aiming for implementation post-2028.
Starting in 2024, KDDI will establish a space co-creation program called 'MUGENLABO UNIVERSE' to solve terrestrial issues with startups and experts.
KDDI is the most proactive carrier among the three in utilizing SpaceX's satellite communication service, Starlink.
Shida of KDDI recalled an incident during the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake where Starlink quickly restored service to the affected area.
KDDI will launch the 'au Starlink Direct' direct satellite-smartphone communication service in Japan in April 2025.
KDDI's Starlink service will support apps like Google Maps and X without coverage in August 2025 and will also offer a maritime Wi-Fi service called 'Ferry Wi-Fi'.
Starlink works with multiple telecommunications companies worldwide to offer direct-to-cell service, including T-Mobile in the U.S. and KDDI in Japan.
KDDI has established a support site for app developers and device manufacturers for the au Starlink Direct service.