―au Starlink Direct now supports data communication and earthquake preparedness support is added―
KDDI CORPORATION
Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company
KDDI and Okinawa Cellular are enhancing the service features of the "au Value Link Plan," a pricing plan for au smartphones that offers unlimited data usage [
1] and access to five services, including "au Starlink Direct," a direct communication service between satellites and smartphones.
Starting August 28, 2025, "au Starlink Direct" will support satellite data communication, enabling the use of apps such as maps, weather, and news in areas with no mobile coverage [2]. In addition, "Google One" will be added to the list of eligible services for "Subscription Plus Points." Along with the Basic, Standard, and Premium plans of Google One, and for the first time as a domestic telecommunications carrier [3], we will offer Google AI Pro.
Furthermore, we plan to launch the "Earthquake Preparedness Support" service [4] by the end of 2025, which will provide an insurance payout of 30,000 yen in the event of a seismic intensity 7 earthquake. [5] The start date will be announced separately.
KDDI will continue to create new experiential value to realize KDDI VISION 2030: The creation of a society in which anyone can make their dreams a reality, by enhancing the power to connect.
■Earthquake Preparedness Support
To support the lives of those affected by large-scale disasters, we plan to launch the "Earthquake Preparedness Support" service within 2025, which provides an insurance payout of 30,000 yen in the event of a seismic intensity 7 earthquake.
When an earthquake occurs, there is no need to confirm the extent of damage to homes or other property. Based on seismic intensity data published by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the subscriber's address information, the insurance payout can be received either as a deposit to your au PAY Balance [6] or to your pre-designated bank account. By completing the required procedures on your smartphone after an earthquake, you can receive the insurance payout on the same day at the earliest. If the procedure is not completed, the insurance payout will be automatically provided after 72 hours have passed. Since the au PAY balance can be converted to cash at Lawson Bank ATMs and other locations [7], you can use the insurance payout as emergency living expenses with just your smartphone, even if you do not have your wallet with you in the event of a disaster. The start date and further details will be announced separately.
■Services Available with the "au Value Link Plan"
In addition to unlimited data usage, the following services are available.
| au Starlink Direct (in Japanese only)Open in a new window (Service enhancement) | A direct communication service between satellites and smartphones that enables connectivity even in areas without coverage, as long as you have a clear view of the sky. In addition to sending and receiving messages and location information, data communication is also available through compatible apps. |
|---|---|
| au 5G Fast Lane (in Japanese only)Open in a new window | This service provides a more comfortable 5G connection in crowded environments, such as watching videos while waiting for trains at busy stations or posting on social media during festivals and events. |
| au Unlimited Data Overseas (in Japanese only)Open in a new window | You can use your au smartphone, which you use in Japan, overseas with unlimited data usage [8] as well. No additional charge for up to 15 days per month [9]. |
| Subscription Plus Points (in Japanese only)Open in a new window (Service enhancement) | By subscribing to eligible subscription services, you will receive 20% of the monthly fee (excluding tax) for the applicable service as Ponta points. Eligible services: Apple Music / TELASA / Netflix / YouTube Premium / Google One |
| Ponta Pass (in Japanese only)Open in a new window | A subscription service that makes your shopping at Lawson even more beneficial. |
| Earthquake Preparedness Support (Scheduled to be launched within 2025) | In the event of a seismic intensity 7 earthquake, you can receive an insurance payout of 30,000 yen on the same day as the earthquake at the earliest by completing the required procedure on your smartphone, with no confirmation of damage to your home or other property. If the procedure is not completed, the insurance payout will be automatically provided in order after 72 hours have passed. |
For more details, please refer to the "au Value Link Plan" website (in Japanese only)Open in a new window
Please note that the above services are also available with the "au Money Activities Value Link Plan."
(Reference)
■KDDI's initiatives to improve communication quality
In fiscal year 2024, KDDI expanded the available area for Sub6 (3.7GHz/4.0GHz bands), which enables large-capacity and high-speed 5G communications, by increasing base station output and optimizing antenna angles.
We have also launched 5G SA (Stand Alone) services throughout the entire Sub6 area.
In addition, we are working daily to improve communication quality through overall network optimization including 4G, enhancement of communication speed (throughput), and reduction of latency.
As a result, au was ranked No.1 in the world in three of the six categories in the global market communication experience analysis announced by Opensignal in February 2025. [10]
- [1]There are limits on the use of tethering and data sharing. If your monthly data usage exceeds 200GB, your communication speed will be limited to a level that does not affect normal use (up to 5Mbps) for the remainder of the month. Depending on the status of our facilities and other factors, the application of this data throttling may be delayed or not applied. Communication speeds may also be restricted during peak congestion times.
- [2]
- [3]As of August 28, 2025. KDDI research.
- [4]"Earthquake Preparedness Support" is the pet name for a seismic intensity-linked earthquake miscellaneous expense insurance, under which KDDI is the policyholder and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd. is the underwriting insurance company. The insurance payout will be paid to customers by the underwriting insurance company.
- [5]Advance procedures are required. Procedures will be provided when the service is launched.
- [6]Completion of KYC process for au PAY is required.
- [7]A fee of 220 yen per transaction will be charged when withdrawing from an ATM.
- [8]If a large amount of data is used within a certain period (per 24 hours), communication speed may be limited.
- [9]The overseas unlimited plan usage fee will be discounted up to 18,000 yen per month. For daily use (1,200 yen/day), 15 days are free of charge.
- [10]
- *All prices shown include tax unless otherwise noted.
- *Google One is a trademark of Google LLC.
- *The information contained in the articles is current at the time of publication.
Products, service fees, service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.
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