KDDI Corporation, one of Japan’s leading telecommunications providers, plans to utilize a newly launched service that connects smartphones directly to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network to improve drone operations, particularly in regions where radio signals are traditionally weak or unavailable.
Speaking in a recent interview, President and CEO Hiromichi Matsuda emphasized the potential of satellite-based communication to overcome key limitations in current drone technologies. “We hope to resolve the pain points in drones,” said Matsuda, who assumed leadership of the company on April 1.
On April 10, KDDI became the first company in Japan to introduce a direct communication link between smartphones and the Starlink satellite system. The service enables users to send and receive messages anywhere with a clear view of the sky, eliminating reliance on terrestrial base stations.
Matsuda explained that this breakthrough is especially important for remote or mountainous areas, where conventional mobile networks often struggle. “We hope to provide a sense of security from connectivity at any time,” he said.
By linking drones directly to satellites, KDDI aims to enhance the reliability of remote operations. “Drone operations will become more convenient by being connected with the sky,” Matsuda added.
The initiative is expected to accelerate the use of drones for a wide range of applications, including the delivery of goods in hard-to-reach areas and infrastructure inspections of critical assets like dams and bridges.
KDDI’s move comes amid growing competition in Japan’s telecommunications sector. Rakuten Mobile is also developing a similar service to link smartphones directly to satellites. Meanwhile, NTT Docomo and SoftBank are pursuing alternative strategies using High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). These systems deliver wireless signals from unmanned aircraft flying at about 20 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
KDDI’s adoption of Starlink is part of a broader trend toward next-generation connectivity solutions that promise to expand the reach of telecommunications beyond the limits of traditional ground-based infrastructure.
