{"id":103497,"date":"2025-08-29T03:52:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T03:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/103497\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T03:52:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T03:52:10","slug":"you-can-now-tweet-using-spacexs-cellular-starlink-but-only-in-this-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/103497\/","title":{"rendered":"You Can Now Tweet Using SpaceX’s Cellular Starlink, But Only in This Country"},"content":{"rendered":"

SpaceX’s cellular Starlink<\/a> service now supports satellite-based tweeting, but only in Japan to start.<\/p>\n

The feature is available via Japanese mobile phone company KDDI, which owns the Au cellular carrier. Like T-Mobile, KDDI offers access to the cellular Starlink system, which uses orbiting satellites to keep phones connected in dead zones.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Both carriers offer satellite-based text messaging for about $10 per month. But it looks like KDDI beat T-Mobile in offering support for Elon Musk’s X. KDDI\u2019s Au supports<\/a> data transfers on 20 mobile apps, including its own email service and navigation app, Google Maps, and news apps.<\/p>\n

\"support<\/p>\n

\n (Credit: KDDI\/Au)\n<\/p>\n

In a video<\/a>\u00a0demo, a phone uses the navigation app while driving in a cellular dead zone. In another, the phone posts a tweet in seconds.<\/p>\n

\"Sending<\/p>\n

\n (Credit: KDDI\/Au)\n<\/p>\n

Independent satellite technology consultant Carlos Placido says<\/a> KDDI received first dibs on the app support likely because Japan\u2019s \u201clatitude range aligns with the peak density of visible Starlink D2C [cellular Starlink] satellites, maximizing coverage and improving connectivity performance.<\/p>\n

“The current Starlink D2C VLEO constellation provides, on average, one to two satellites in view across Japan at any given time,” he added. <\/p>\n


\n This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

For now, though, KDDI\u2019s satellite data support is only<\/a> available for a few phone models, including Google\u2019s newly released Pixel 10<\/a> devices, Samsung\u2019s Galaxy Z Flip 7<\/a>, and Z Fold 7. That said, KDDI says the \u201cnumber of compatible models will be gradually expanded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recommended by Our Editors<\/p>\n

The announcement offers a preview of what T-Mobile users can expect in the US. On Oct. 1, the carrier also<\/a> plans on launching satellite data capability for mobile apps, including X, WhatsApp, and AccuWeather.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the meantime, Pixel 10 devices, which go on sale today, get early access to the satellite data feature if they’re signed up for T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service. But for now, the service only supports<\/a> three apps: Google Maps, Google Messages and Find Hub.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Google has also teased that Pixel 10 devices can support satellite calling through WhatsApp. The company hasn\u2019t released more details, but SpaceX has hinted<\/a> at its involvement.<\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

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I’ve been working as a journalist for over 15 years\u2014I got my start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in 2017.<\/p>\n

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