Starlink Expands: Satellite Internet Reaches Armenia and Japan’s Coast Guard
As Starlink continues its rapid global expansion, the satellite internet provider has officially entered Armenia‘s market on March 27, 2025. The launch follows extensive collaborations with Armenia’s Ministry of High-Tech Industry. Finally, rural Armenians can stop waiting for decent internet. The company’s low Earth orbit (LEO) technology is bringing high-speed connectivity to the country’s most remote regions, effectively bridging the digital divide that has long plagued the nation.
Starlink’s satellites orbit at roughly 550 km altitude. That’s practically skimming the Earth compared to traditional geostationary satellites sitting 36,000 km away. This proximity translates to dramatically reduced latency—around 20 milliseconds versus the painful 600+ milliseconds of older systems. Gaming in rural Armenia just became possible. No more lag.
Starlink’s low-orbit satellites crush traditional internet providers. Milliseconds, not seconds. Rural Armenia levels up.
Performance metrics tell the story. U.S. users already enjoy download speeds between 91 and 97 Mbps, with upload speeds averaging nearly 14 Mbps. These numbers crush competitors like HughesNet and Viasat. Some regions see even better results, with Lithuania recording speeds up to 160 Mbps. Not too shabby for satellite internet. Users may encounter slowdowns during peak usage times between 6 PM and 11 PM when network congestion increases.
Meanwhile, Starlink has struck a deal with Japan’s Coast Guard. The partnership provides maritime connectivity that traditional systems simply couldn’t deliver. Coast guard vessels now maintain reliable communications in remote oceanic areas. Real-time data transmission means better maritime security. Lives will be saved because of this technology. The vessels benefit from Starlink’s autonomous collision avoidance capabilities that ensure reliable connectivity even in challenging maritime conditions.
The Asia-Pacific region represents a massive growth opportunity. Starlink is forecasted to reach 2.5 million subscribers there by the end of 2025. The company’s aggressive expansion strategy has resulted in 170 satellites launched monthly to support growing demand across the region. The installation process is remarkably user-friendly, with customers receiving a complete dish and router kit that requires minimal technical knowledge to set up. The company’s expansion into Indonesia and India addresses the growing demand for resilient internet services. And let’s face it—these regions desperately need alternatives to existing infrastructure.
What makes Starlink different? Thousands of satellites working together instead of one or two lonely geostationary satellites. The network supports high-bandwidth activities like video streaming, online gaming, and video calls. Traditional satellite internet could barely handle email. The service aims to provide no intermediaries in delivering connectivity, as demonstrated in the Armenia launch where direct collaboration was emphasized.
Looking ahead, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology will launch in 2025, connecting standard mobile devices directly to satellites. No special equipment needed. Just your phone and the sky. This technology will further transform connectivity across Armenia, Japan, and beyond.
Starlink’s expansion represents more than just internet access—it’s enabling entire nations to participate in the digital economy. That’s not just convenient. It’s revolutionary.
