LINE Yahoo to Support Starlink Satellite Communication on 9 Apps Including LINE, Enabling App Usage Even Outside Carrier Coverage Areas like Mountains, Seas, and During Disasters

LINE Yahoo Corporation (hereinafter referred to as LINE Yahoo) will sequentially support the use of Starlink satellite communication environments in 9 apps, including the communication app "LINE," starting Monday, April 13. This will enable users to utilize LINE Yahoo's major apps via satellite communication, even in areas outside of communication coverage such as mountainous regions and the sea, or in situations where existing terrestrial communication environments cannot be used, such as during disasters. This is the first time LINE Yahoo's services will be compatible with satellite communication environments. Please note that using the service requires a smartphone device compatible with satellite communication and a carrier contract.

In recent years, with the expansion of outdoor leisure activities and the increasing severity of natural disasters, the need to secure information and communication methods even in unstable communication environments has been growing. This initiative will allow LINE Yahoo apps to be used if your smartphone connects directly to Starlink satellites and you are outdoors with a visible view of the sky.

The apps covered are: "LINE," "Yahoo! JAPAN," "Yahoo! Disaster Alert," "Yahoo! Weather," "Yahoo! Mail," "Yahoo! Maps," "Yahoo! Transit," "Yahoo! Car Navigation," and "Yahoo! News" – a total of 9 apps. For "LINE," a dedicated UI (User Interface) called "Satellite Mode" will be implemented for use in satellite communication environments. "Satellite Mode" displays a screen specialized for functions like sending and receiving messages, and features such as stickers and reactions will not be available. For other apps, they will operate at low speeds under satellite communication environments, similar to normal operation.

This will enable communication with family and friends, and information acquisition through each app, even during leisure activities like camping or hiking in mountainous areas where communication infrastructure is difficult to establish, during work or ferry voyages at sea, or during disasters when existing communication networks are unusable.

How to Use 1. For iOS, switch [Satellite] to ON from [Settings] → [Cellular] → [Cellular Data Options] (No settings required for Android). 2. Launch the target app on a smartphone and with a carrier that supports satellite communication. 3. In areas outside of communication coverage, communication will switch to satellite communication, and each app will be usable. If a dialog requesting permission for satellite data communication appears, select [Allow].

※ "LINE" will automatically switch to "Satellite Mode" in satellite communication environments. ※ Available only in outdoor environments with a clear view of the sky, on compatible carriers and devices supporting Starlink satellite communication. ※ Communication speeds may be reduced in satellite communication environments, potentially limiting some functions.

Functions Available in "LINE's" "Satellite Mode" - 1:1 Chats - Group Chats - Keep Notes - LINE Official Accounts - LINE Open Chat

※ Currently, only message and location data transmission are supported. File transfers (images, videos, etc.), stickers, and reactions are not available.