Iridium Satellite LLC said June 13 that KDDI Network & Solutions Inc. received authorization from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications to offer mobile phone and data services in Japan through Iridium’s global satellite network.

“We expect a strong response from local governments and companies involved in developing reaction plans in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster,” Yuzuru Takayama, general manager of marketing and sales development of KDDI Network & Solutions satellite business division, said in a statement. “In addition, Iridium’s new data services provide a cost-effective platform for asset tracking and monitoring in the Japanese market.”