Japanese mobile carrier KDDI Corporation has launched Starlink's WiFi service on-board an overnight ferry.

In an announcement, KDDI confirmed the service will be free to use for customers, and said it aims to extend the service out to more ferries.

KDDI noted that it's offering Starlink WiFi on the Hamaya ferry run by Tokyo Kyushu Ferry for a limited time, claiming that communication speeds of up to 220Mbps.

According to the carrier, the service went live on January 22, 2025, and will provide connectivity on ships where it's difficult to deliver radio waves.

Tokyo Kyushu Ferry operates a route that spans close to 1,000km between Yokosuka in the northeast and Shinmoji in the southwest.

"We have traditionally provided WiFi services on our routes by picking up signals from land, but now KDDI will be providing WiFi service via Starlink satellite communications for a limited time. We will strive to ensure that this initiative leads to the provision and development of a better cruise experience," said Tokyo Kyushu Ferry.

KDDI has previously worked with Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk's SpaceX, to restore Internet services in the country following an earthquake that hit Japan last year.

Prior to this, KDDI Corp launched its first mobile tower that is powered by Starlink's satellite Internet broadband service in December 2022.

KDDI signed an agreement with Starlink in 2023 to provide satellite-to-cellular service leveraging Starlink low earth orbit satellites and KDDI national wireless spectrum nationwide.

Separately this week, global aircraft manufacturer ATR confirmed it will introduce Starlink Internet on some of its fleet following a successful test carried out on its 72-600 aircraft. Air New Zealand is set to be the first airline to launch the Starlink service on an ATR-owned aircraft.