The Sankei Shimbun reported on the 1st that SpaceX, a space company led by Elon Musk, will launch its satellite Internet Starlink business in Japan in earnest.According to reports, Nobuyuki Uchida, a former head of Rakuten Mobile’s technology strategy division, took office on the 12th as CEO of Starlink Japan, the Japanese corporation of the project.This is the first time that SpaceX has a representative of an overseas corporation as it often conducts business activities directly in its home country, the United States, Sankei said.SpaceX is reportedly planning to expand its Starlink business in Japan, focusing on remote islands and ships that do not have good radio waves.CEO Uchida said, “Japan is an important market in size,” adding, “We want to increase the use of islands and oceans.”Starlink already started its personal service in Japan last fall and will be available at a cost of 36,500 yen (about $30) for dedicated antennas and 6,600 yen (about $50) per month.
Starlink service is an Internet service provided through a low-orbit communication satellite launched by SpaceX. Meanwhile, SpaceX also promoted StarLink’s entry into the Korean market and established its subsidiary StarLink Korea.Initially, it was reported that it planned to enter the Korean market during the second quarter of this year, but recently announced on its website that it will start the service in the fourth quarter.
Sophia Kim
US ASIA JOURNAL
