Starlink shines bright in Asia-Pacific

Space X’s Starlink business made big strides in the Asia-Pacific region as operators set direct-to-device (D2D) service launch dates under existing agreements and others joined the fold by detailing future deployments.

Spark in New Zealand detailed the lighting of its service, pitching Starlink connectivity as a means to fill coverage gaps in remote and rural areas.

Costs depend on the tariff in play, with some enterprise and consumer users receiving free access and others facing an additional fee of at least NZD10 ($5.70).

Spark’s initial offer comprises data and messaging, the former being configured for messaging, weather, and route planning and mapping apps.

In Japan, NTT Docomo set a firm date to begin providing D2D services using Starlink’s 650 low Earth orbit birds and rival SoftBank Corp detailed the signing of a deal to launch in the future.

Docomo Starlink Direct is scheduled to go live on 27 April, a boon for customers of the operator’s business unit who are initially set for free access.

The Japanese operator is not straying far from what is fast becoming a blueprint for apps which can be accessed, pitching weather and mapping as key options, along with highlighting the potential to provide connectivity during disasters.

SoftBank emphasised emergency connectivity potential as it detailed a plan to launch a Starlink-based D2D service in the future. It, too, is initially focused on messaging and data connectivity, along with the potential to expand its coverage to remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Although the trio of announcements are a significant boost for SpaceX’s satellite business in the region, the US company won’t have the whole market to itself.

Rakuten Mobile is working to launch a D2D service using AST SpaceMobile’s satellites later this year.