Starlink said Tuesday it is dropping the upfront cost of its home-use Mini rental kit to 0 yen in some areas of Japan, making it easier than ever for households to get online with satellite internet.
In a Japanese-language post, the company said installation is quick in most regions across the country and delivers optimal performance at all times. Starlink added that Japanese-language customer support will be available before signup, after signup and once service is active, so customers can use the service with peace of mind. The company directed customers to its website for details on which areas qualify for the 0-yen offer.
The rental model removes the biggest hurdle for new customers, since households no longer need to buy the Mini dish outright. Starlink is making a similar rental push in the United States, where it expanded free Mini rentals to more residential customers earlier on Tuesday. Japan is known for fast and affordable fiber and mobile networks, so a zero-upfront-cost rental could be the nudge that convinces hesitant households to try satellite internet.
Starlink’s international expansion has been busy this week. The company said it will connect regular phones to satellites across Mongolia through a deal with Mobicom, and it plans to bring gate-to-gate Wi-Fi to Vietjet passengers.
Japanese customers can check availability and pricing in their area through Starlink’s residential page. The open question is how far Starlink extends the 0-yen rental beyond the initial areas, and whether other markets in Asia get a similar deal next.
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