SpaceX Starlink's standard kits are now accessible at a Costco store in Japan, making Japan one of the first countries to offer Starlink products in a retail outlet, according to Japanese media.
Starlink, a satellite internet system operated by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX, has made its standard kit available at a Costco store in Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, news site Impress reported on Aug. 24.
According to the report, the store is selling Starlink standard kit at a "discounted price" of 36,500 yen (around $250), valid between Aug. 24 and Nov. 11. Starlink products are expected to be available at 32 other stores, the report said.
Costco Japan stated the promotion will include 13,200 yen ($90) worth of credits, which can be used for Starlink’s monthly communication expenses. These credits are adaptable for both residential and roam modes, the latter being usable anywhere.
Starlink stated on its website that its standard kit is best for residential users and everyday internet activities such as streaming, video calls, and online gaming. The kit includes Starlink, a WiFi router, cables, and a base.
SpaceX did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times request for comment.
Starlink is one of a growing number of makers of small satellites that are focused on providing satellite-based internet, including Amazon.com's Kuiper, Britain's OneWeb, and venture capital-backed Planet.
The Starlink satellite constellation has been a lifeline for Ukraine since Russia launched a war against the country, especially vital as Ukraine struggles to keep electrical power and telecommunications operating under withering Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian targets.
The network of low-orbiting satellites has been crucial to Ukraine’s use of battlefield drones, and the country’s defenders have no viable alternative. The satellite links help Ukrainian fighters locate the enemy and target long-range artillery strikes.
Meanwhile, the Yomiuri newspaper reported in June that Japan's military was testing the Starlink satellite internet service with an aim to adopt the technology next fiscal year, citing unnamed government sources.
The Ministry of Defense already has access to communication satellites in geostationary orbit, but use of Starlink technology would add a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, the report said.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces have been testing Starlink since March, with the system deployed in about 10 locations and in training. Countries worldwide seek to build resilience against the risk of communications jamming or attacks on satellites in the event of conflict.