SoftBank to Expand Starlink Direct Satellite-to-Smartphone Service to US, Canada and New Zealand

SoftBank Corp. announced on September 10, 2026 that it will expand 'SoftBank Starlink Direct' — its satellite-to-smartphone service built on SpaceX's Starlink direct-to-cell network — outside Japan for the first time, starting September 28, 2026 in the United States (via T-Mobile), Canada (via Rogers) and New Zealand (via One NZ), with the Philippines to follow later in autumn through a partnership with Globe Telecom. The service lets compatible smartphones send and receive text messages and use select data applications in areas without terrestrial cellular coverage, provided there is an unobstructed line of sight to the satellites; voice and emergency calls are not supported. SoftBank, Y!mobile and LINEMO subscribers on eligible plans can use the roaming service at no additional charge. The expansion extends a service SoftBank first launched domestically in Japan on April 10, 2026 to reach mountainous and maritime dead zones, and follows a wave of direct-to-cell roaming deals — including KDDI, Telstra, Optus, Salt and Entel — as carriers race to close terrestrial coverage gaps with satellite connectivity.