CUSTOMERS in Kiribati can look forward to a much improved telecommunications performance.

This comes after Vodafone Kiribati announced that it has been designated as authorised reseller for Starlink in the country.

It comes as a plus for Kiribati given the widely dispersed nature of the Pacific country.

The partnership, announced September 1, will see Vodafone providing access to low-Earth orbit satellite services to government, businesses and other organisations across the country’s 33 atolls.

It will help fill in the gaps for the many regions of the country that remain inaccessible with traditional telecommunications infrastructure.

Vodafone CEO Kamlesh Sharma said being able to work with Starlink was an important step in achieving the company’s goal of expanding innovative connectivity solutions throughout Kiribati.

“Becoming an authorised Starlink reseller is another important step in Vodafone Kiribati’s journey to connect more people, businesses and communities across our widely dispersed islands,” Sharma said.

“Starlink’s satellite technology will complement our existing network capabilities, and help us deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity in locations where conventional infrastructure remains challenging to deploy.”

The addition of Starlink services will complement Vodafone Kiribati’s existing mobile, 4G+, fibre, and enterprise portfolio.

Customers will have the flexibility to use satellite connectivity as a primary service or as a resilient backup connection, strengthening business continuity and operational performance.

As an authorised reseller, Vodafone Kiribati will provide local support including service consultation, deployment coordination, network integration, and ongoing customer assistance.

Sharma said the development strengthens the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and supporting greater access to essential services, education, healthcare, government services, and economic opportunities throughout Kiribati.

The partnership supports Vodafone Kiribati’s broader network transformation programme, which includes investments in mobile coverage, fibre connectivity, and improved services across South Tarawa and the outer islands.

By combining Vodafone Kiribati’s local presence and technical expertise with Starlink’s advanced satellite technology, customers will have access to more resilient and flexible connectivity solutions suited to Kiribati’s unique geographical environment.