Page 13 - IB February 2024

Technology

SKY-HIGH HOPES FROM STARLINK

BUT EXPERTS SAY IT'S NOT THE SOLE SOLUTION

By Prerna Priyanka

In the vast expanse of the Pacific, where connectivity
challenges have persisted for decades, the arrival of Starlink,
Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, is creating high
excitement and expectations, particularly in remote areas
where terrestrial infrastructure is limited.
Papua New Guinea recently granted a business licence to
Starlink. Late last year, Fiji gave the company a spectrum
licence, with Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica
describing it as a “game changer”. Other countries have taken
a more cautious approach, with Vanuatu authorities seizing
unlicensed equipment and Samoa’s Office of the Regulator
ordering the immediate stoppage of Starlink receiver and
service use in January. A Starlink dish placed on the beach in the Maldives. Photo: Starlink via X
Dr Amanda Watson, a research fellow at the Australian
National University, notes that in Fiji: “Regulators face a
daunting task in managing rapidly evolving technologies.” “If the level playing field is not in place, where any new
Speaking to Islands Business, she said a fair regulatory technology provider can come in and cherry-pick the most
framework and licencing process is important to ensure a lucrative markets, then the unconnected and the rural will
level playing field for all internet service providers. remain unconnected purely because of budget and spending
“In other words, a certain amount of something (for reasons, not so much from technology,” Fong said.
instance, spectrum or internet data) should cost the same He urged greater clarity and transparency in regulatory
amount irrespective of the technology through which it passes frameworks, especially regarding obligations imposed on new
from a service provider to a wholesaler or consumer,” said Dr technology providers.
Watson. He also mentioned the necessity for all operators to invest
She said that while different companies may charge in underserved areas or pay a levy if they cannot meet such
consumers varying prices, regulators should enforce uniform obligations.
operating fees for all companies, regardless of the technology He suggests that models like Vanuatu’s “pay to play”
they employ. approach might apply, where operators are allocated specific
Dr Watson noted that competition from Starlink has the projects to improve connectivity in underserved areas.
potential to lower prices and enhance service quality, while “With new licence issuances, there’s not much clarity
reducing the effects of service disruptions during natural around obligations,” Fong noted. “It would be good to know if
disasters. similar obligations exist for all players.”
“The addition of a new technology in the mix of options can He also raised the potential tax implications of Starlink’s
have benefits when it comes to service outages,” she said. entry, including issues related to duties, levies, and import
“We know that climate change is increasing the severity taxes.
and frequency of severe weather and natural disasters like Despite these concerns, Fong sees Starlink’s potential
cyclones. to provide reliable connectivity in underserved markets
“In such cases, or when there are outages caused by other where infrastructure reliability or availability is a significant
issues such as cyberattacks or lack of fuel at a mobile tower, concern.
it can make a difference to people’s welfare if there are other That extends to Papua New Guinea, where ATH has made
ways to access mobile phone, landline or internet services for significant investments in rolling out a 4G mobile broadband
communication.” network.
Ivan Fong, CEO of Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) “We use a lot of technologies in Papua New Guinea. We use
Fiji, has welcomed the competition that Starlink will bring to fibre optics, we use microwave, we use a lot of satellites, and
established operators, but called for transparency. the country is so big, and there’s so little development that
He raised concerns about the affordability of Starlink getting out and servicing your infrastructure is very difficult.
services and the potential for rural areas to remain
underserved. Continued on page 22

Islands Business, February 2024 13