On October 11 (Japan time), US SpaceX began offering the satellite Internet service "Starlink" in Japan. This is the first time it has been offered in Asia.
Starlink uses artificial satellites to provide Internet services even in areas where ground communication infrastructure is underdeveloped. According to the service area map, the current service areas are Kanto, northern Niigata, Tohoku, and southwestern Hokkaido. The cities of Sapporo and Yamaguchi are "waiting for their turn," while the rest of Japan is "coming soon."
Domestic carriers are already starting to use Starlink. KDDI will enter into a business alliance with SpaceX in September 2021. By using Starlink for the "backhaul line" that connects the au base station and the line network, the high-speed connection will be possible even in mountainous areas, island areas, and disaster areas.
