Globe Telecom Launched Starlink Roaming in Japan
The Philippines-based provider has expanded satellite-linked mobile access to Japanese networks.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Globe Telecom has activated a new Starlink Mobile roaming service in Japan branded as GoRoam Japan. This service, which marks Globe as the second provider in Asia to offer such satellite-integrated mobile capabilities, is now available to users.
Why it matters
The integration aims to eliminate cellular dead zones by bridging traditional mobile networks with satellite connectivity. It represents a significant step in the regional effort to provide consistent coverage in areas with limited infrastructure.
The GoRoam Japan package includes 3 GB of total data—split into 2 GB of all-access and 1 GB of satellite capacity—alongside 50 satellite-based text messages. The system requires standard LTE-capable handsets to link to the satellite network.
The players
Globe Telecom
A Philippines-based telecommunications provider managing mobile and broadband infrastructure.
KDDI Corp
A Japanese telecommunications company that maintains extensive mobile network infrastructure and partnered to enable this roaming service.
The details
The service functions by enabling mobile devices to link directly to satellite constellations, bypassing terrestrial towers in areas with limited or no traditional signal. Globe Telecom achieved this international capability through a partnership with KDDI Corp, a major Japanese telecommunications company, which facilitates the necessary network roaming agreements to bridge the two disparate systems.
Timeline
June 2026: Globe Telecom activated Starlink Mobile services in the Philippines.
October 2026: Globe Telecom activated the Starlink Mobile roaming service in Japan.
The Tech Race
This development follows the trajectory of direct-to-cell satellite integration spearheaded by Starlink. Globe Telecom's move aligns with a broader competitive effort across Asian markets to adopt satellite-to-phone technology to extend rural and international connectivity.
Users can access the GoRoam Japan pass for P400, provided they have an LTE-capable handset. The service is designed for travelers who need continuous connectivity in regions where traditional cellular towers provide limited coverage.
The takeaway
This launch signals a shift toward making satellite-based mobile data a standardized roaming feature rather than a niche backup. Watch for whether other major carriers in Southeast Asia adopt similar partner-based satellite roaming models in the coming quarters.
Further reading
For more context on how carriers are integrating satellite backhaul, see our coverage in Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Philstar.
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