Starlink provides global internet via satellite constellation

Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provides global internet coverage by deploying a mega-constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit. As of late June 2026, the network consists of over 10,200 satellites orbiting a few hundred kilometers above Earth.

The service is designed to provide stable connectivity in remote areas, such as mountains or maritime environments, where traditional fiber-optic cables or cellular base stations are unavailable. Its independence from ground-based infrastructure proved critical in Ukraine, where it served as a temporary internet solution after existing networks were destroyed.

While competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and various Chinese initiatives are in development, Starlink is currently the only service operating at this scale. Recent technological advancements include ‘Starlink Direct,’ which allows compatible smartphones to communicate directly with satellites without specialized antennas. In Japan, major carriers such as au, Docomo, and SoftBank offer services that enable text messaging and limited data use even in areas without cellular coverage.