Japanese telecom operator KDDI will begin reselling SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service to its enterprise and civil government customers later this year.
According to the two firms, KDDI will serve as an authorized Starlink integrator. Since 2021, KDDI has been conducting technical trials of Starlink’s service in Japan, and it believes the service will perform reliably for enterprise clients who require a stable internet connection. Starlink’s performance, according to the operator, makes it a feasible option for mobile backhaul.
SpaceX recently started its service in Japan earlier this week, making it the first Asian country to offer Starlink services. Starlink’s service will most certainly be in high demand in the country’s mountainous regions and outlying islands, where internet connection is now limited.
KDDI has joined the expanding list of Starlink resellers. In September, the company struck similar distribution agreements with Speedcast and Marlink to provide Starlink’s service to their maritime and enterprise customers. It also has a reseller deal with EnerStar Solutions to sell Starlink’s services to its industrial customers.
Starlink launched its services for enterprise customers early this year. The company’s “premium” tier service costs $500 per month.
KDDI joins a growing number of Starlink resellers that the company is partnering with to expand its reach to enterprise, maritime, and government customers
In addition, the company recently collaborated with T-Mobile to provide a method for connecting T-Mobile clients in rural places to Starlink’s satellite broadband service when cellular coverage is unavailable. SpaceX stated that it is developing customized antennas for its Starlink satellites in order to provide this service.