#Japan #Tokyo #Samsung Galaxy #Communication #austarlink

Samsung Galaxy Products and au Starlink Direct

In a significant technological milestone, Samsung has announced that all 20 variants of its Galaxy smartphones will be compatible with Japan's first satellite direct communication service, named "au Starlink Direct." This innovative service is set to launch on April 10, 2025, and is a collaboration with KDDI Corporation, better known as au. The service offers customers the ability to communicate directly with satellites, even in areas where traditional cellular signals are weak or non-existent.

Overview of au Starlink Direct

Utilizing existing au frequencies, this service allows Samsung Galaxy smartphones to connect to Starlink satellites directly, permitting communication even in areas typically out of reach, provided there is a clear view of the sky. This includes not only the exchange of text messages among friends but also the capacity to receive emergency alerts, such as earthquake warnings, and to share location information with family members during critical situations. Moreover, users of Android devices can send text-based inquiries to Google's AI assistant, Gemini, for various support tasks.

While au already boasts a population coverage of over 99.9%, the unique geography of Japan means that only about 60% of the country's area is currently covered by cellular service. With the introduction of au Starlink Direct, communication services are now extendable to the remaining 40%, which includes regions like mountainous terrains, islands, camping sites, and even offshore, thereby enhancing connectivity in areas where establishing traditional service is challenging.

Supported Samsung Galaxy Models

The initial lineup for the au Starlink Direct service will encompass the following 20 devices:

• - Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Ultra, S24, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, S23, S23 Ultra, S23 FE, S22, S22 Ultra
• - Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, Fold5, Fold4
• - Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, Flip5, Flip4
• - Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, A54 5G, A53 5G
• - Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

This across-the-board compatibility underscores Samsung's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology into its devices, benefitting a wide range of users.

Who Can Use This Service?

The au Starlink Direct service is available to all customers using au devices, whether they are individuals or businesses. However, customers from other carriers or those using different SIM contracts, such as UQ Mobile and J:COM MOBILE, are not eligible as of the launch date.

Coverage Area

The service will be accessible throughout Japan, covering all 47 prefectures, as well as territorial waters, extending its benefits in areas where typical signal strength would otherwise hinder communication.

Services Offered

• - Sending and receiving text messages (SMS/RCS)
• - Sharing location information
• - Conducting online searches via the Gemini AI on Android phones
• - Receiving critical alerts such as earthquake warnings, tsunami alerts, and national protection information (J-Alert)

It is important to note that the quality of satellite communications may vary, which can sometimes cause delays in message transmission or interruptions in connectivity. Additionally, while in satellite mode, certain services like voicemail and call forwarding will be unavailable.

Fees

This revolutionary service will be offered free of charge for the time being, without the need for prior registration.

Promotional Events

To commemorate the launch, special promotions will be available for customers making device upgrades:

• - Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra: Up to a discount of 16,500 yen for switching from an older model that has been used for at least 30 months. This offer runs from April 10 to May 11, 2025.
• - Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Up to a discount of 22,000 yen for customers upgrading under the same conditions. This offer is valid from April 10 to June 1, 2025.

For more details about the service or promotions, customers can visit au’s official page for personal customers or here for business clients.

As the service rolls out, Samsung remains dedicated to enhancing user experiences, ensuring that their devices are equipped with the latest in communication technology, thus bringing peace of mind to users everywhere they go.