Sharp takes aim at Starlink dominance with universal satellite antenna

Sharp plans to develop a universal antenna that can connect to multiple satellite communications networks, in a direct challenge to SpaceX’s Starlink, which dominates the market for low-Earth-orbit communications with proprietary in-house terminals.

The Japanese company aims to roll out terminals with the universal antenna in 2030, eyeing applications including defence, remote control of construction equipment and autonomous driving, Nikkei Asia reported from Osaka. The move would let users switch between satellite services instead of relying on a single provider’s specialised terminals.

Sharp has been working on a compact satellite terminal using technology developed for its smartphone business. The company plans to make the terminal small enough to mount on boats or drones — a sharp contrast with the bulky dish-shaped parabolic antennas whose size and weight limit where they can be installed.

Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is soliciting proposals for compact, lightweight universal antennas, offering up to 7 billion yen (about $44 million) in support over a maximum of five years to two or three selected projects. Sharp has submitted a proposal, though the selection period is still some way off.

Separately, Sharp plans to bring communications services from Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES to Japan starting in 2027 under a partnership announced in June, and targets 100 billion yen in sales from satellite-related services in 2035.

Sources

• Nikkei Asia (Kyoko Hariya, Osaka, 23 Sept 2026): “Sharp takes aim at Starlink dominance with universal satellite antenna”
• Telecompaper (23 Sept 2026): Sharp targets Starlink dominance with universal satellite antenna — report