Globe Telecom Launched Starlink Mobile Roaming in Japan
Globe Telecom expanded its satellite-linked mobile roaming service into Japan in partnership with KDDI Corp.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Telecommunications
Live Poll
Would you pay for satellite-based roaming to ensure connectivity while traveling abroad?
Globe Telecom has activated its Starlink Mobile roaming service in Japan under the brand name GoRoam Japan. The service allows mobile users to maintain connectivity through satellite networks, marking Globe as the second provider in Asia to offer this capability.
Why it matters
The service aims to eliminate cellular dead zones by providing satellite-based connectivity in areas with limited traditional coverage. By partnering with KDDI Corp, Globe seeks to offer consistent international access for its customers.
The GoRoam Japan package costs P400 for seven days, providing users with 2 gigabytes of all-access data and 1 gigabyte of satellite data. The plan also includes 50 satellite texts to all networks, requiring LTE-capable phones to link to the satellite.
The players
Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom is a major telecommunications company based in the Philippines.
KDDI Corp
KDDI Corp is a Japanese telecommunications operator that partnered with Globe to provide international roaming.
The details
Globe collaborated with KDDI Corp to facilitate this international roaming access for its users. The service connects standard mobile phones directly to satellite networks to provide internet access in locations that lack traditional terrestrial infrastructure.
Timeline
Globe activated Starlink Mobile in the Philippines in June 2026.
Globe launched the roaming service in Japan in October 2026.
The Tech Race
This development marks a significant shift in mobile connectivity by integrating satellite networks as a standard roaming option. It follows the pattern established by the deployment of Starlink direct-to-cell satellite technology, pushing carriers to prioritize coverage in previously unreachable areas.
Users can now maintain data and text connectivity in Japan even in areas lacking traditional mobile signal coverage. Travelers must ensure their device has LTE capability to successfully link to the satellite network while roaming.
The takeaway
Direct-to-satellite mobile service is quickly evolving from a niche feature into a functional necessity for international travelers. Users should verify their device's hardware compatibility before relying on satellite roaming during overseas travel.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of satellite-based connectivity, visit Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Philstar.
Live Poll
Would you pay for satellite-based roaming to ensure connectivity while traveling abroad?
