$50/mo
High-speed, low-latency broadband from LEO
400 Mbps 20–60ms 10,139/19,400 sats
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🇯🇵
Satellite Internet in Japan
Asia-Pacific · Population: 124M · Internet penetration: 93%
Market Overview
Japan has excellent urban broadband but mountainous rural areas and remote islands face connectivity challenges. Starlink launched in Japan in 2022 and has been adopted for disaster preparedness, maritime use, and rural connectivity. AST SpaceMobile has a partnership with Rakuten for direct-to-phone satellite service.
Regulatory Environment
MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications) regulates satellite services. Japan's national resilience strategy includes satellite internet for disaster response. Starlink and KDDI have an agreement for mobile backhaul.
Rural Coverage Gap
Remote islands (Okinawa chain, Ogasawara), mountainous Hokkaido regions, and rural Tohoku areas have limited terrestrial broadband. Satellite provides critical backup connectivity for earthquake-prone areas.
Available in Japan
| Provider | Orbit | From | Max Speed | Latency | Data Cap | Equipment | Self-Install |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | LEO | $50/mo | 400 Mbps | 20–60ms | Unlimited | $349 | Yes |
| OneWeb (Eutelsat) | LEO | Enterprise/mo | 195 Mbps | 30–70ms | Unlimited | Not announced | No |
🇯🇵 ¥6,600/mo residential
Enterprise only
LEO connectivity for enterprise and government
195 Mbps 30–70ms 654 sats
🇯🇵 Enterprise only
Coming to Japan - Waitlist Open
Not announced
Satellite broadband direct to your phone
120 Mbps 20–40ms 6/243 sats
Not Available in Japan
HughesNet GEO
US-only service via 3 GEO satellites. Parent EchoStar has formally disclosed going-concern doubt (KPMG warning, Aug 2026 debt maturity, $119M cash vs $1.5B debt). EchoStar sold spectrum to SpaceX ($17B) and AT&T ($22.65B) and is contractually obligated to refer existing HughesNet customers to Starlink.
Viasat GEO
Primarily US residential. ViaSat-3 F1 launched April 2023 (reduced capacity); F2 launched Nov 2025, entering service May 2026; F3 launch scheduled April 30, 2026. Fleet includes ~23 satellites total via Inmarsat acquisition.
SES mPOWER MEO
10 of 13 satellites operational (March 2026). Final 3 launching H2 2026. Covers ±50° latitude (96% of world population).
Frequently Asked Questions
What satellite internet is available in Japan?
There are 2 satellite internet providers currently available in Japan: Starlink and OneWeb (Eutelsat). Additionally, AST SpaceMobile has a waitlist open for Japan. Each provider offers different speeds, pricing, and coverage areas.
How much does satellite internet cost in Japan?
Satellite internet pricing in Japan varies by provider. Starlink: ¥6,600/mo residential. OneWeb (Eutelsat): Enterprise only. Prices are subject to change and may not include equipment costs. Visit each provider's website for the most current pricing in JPY.
Is Starlink available in Japan?
Yes, Starlink is available in Japan. Pricing: ¥6,600/mo residential. Starlink operates in 150+ countries globally and offers low-latency LEO satellite internet with download speeds of 100-400 Mbps. You can order directly from the Starlink website and self-install the dish.
What is the best satellite internet in Japan?
The best satellite internet in Japan depends on your needs. Starlink (LEO) offers 100-400 Mbps with 20-60ms latency, available in 150+ countries. OneWeb (Eutelsat) (LEO) offers 50-195 Mbps with 30-70ms latency, available in 50+ countries. For low latency and fast speeds, LEO providers are generally the best choice. For budget options, compare pricing tiers across all available providers.
Do I need special equipment for satellite internet in Japan?
Satellite internet in Japan requires a satellite dish or terminal to connect. Some providers like Starlink offer self-install equipment that you can set up yourself. OneWeb (Eutelsat) require professional installation. You will need a clear view of the sky for the dish - trees, buildings, and other obstructions can reduce signal quality. Equipment costs vary by provider, typically ranging from free to $600+.
Recommended for Japan
VPN for Satellite Internet
Satellite internet in Japan routes through ground stations that may be located in other countries. A VPN protects your privacy, secures your connection, and ensures you can access local content.
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