Starlink brings internet to Japan Coast Guard ships and Armenia’s mountainous regions

The Japan Coast Guard’s (JCG) 12 large patrol vessels has been equipped with Starlink, a high-speed satellite internet service, as of March.

The onboard internet access is now comparable to that on land.

The JCG hopes the development will appeal to new generation amid rising concerns over growing retirement numbers and declining recruitment.

It said the initial objective of using Starlink was to serve as a backup for official satellite communication lines in the vent of equipment failure or jamming.

The development is a part of a larger initiative to boost the resilience of its information and communication system.

The agency plans to gradually equip by fiscal 2032 at least 85 large patrol and survey vessels with the system.

The latest system will also serve a welfare function during off-duty hours as crew members are now allowed to connect personal smartphones and other devices to the network.

The satellite communication, until its installation, on board had been limited to only sending and receiving text-only emails due to limited bandwidth.

During long deployments at sea, lack of internet access had become a significant source of stress for personnel.

Using Starlink now the crew members can make video calls, send messages via LINE, and stay up to date on current events.

An officer said that it’s easier to stay connected with family and friends and keep up with the news.

Meanwhile, Armenia will also have access to Starlink, the fast and stable internet,  not only in major cities but also in the most remote areas of the country.

Starlink, taking to X, announced on social media platform: “Armenia has become the 130th country, territory or market in the world where high-speed internet is available.”