Vodafone Fiji has announced its status as the latest authorized reseller of Starlink satellite Internet services, making it the second subsidiary of Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) to do so within a span of five months. This development was disclosed last week.
The collaboration aims to bring advanced satellite internet technology to Fiji, aligning with Vodafone Fiji’s goal of providing innovative connectivity solutions to the local community. By utilizing Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, Vodafone Fiji plans to offer enterprise customers dependable high-speed internet, even in the country’s most isolated areas.
Starlink’s arrival in the Pacific presents both opportunities and challenges for ATH, which has expanded its mobile telephone services throughout several Pacific nations under the Vodafone brand and has developed subsea cable Internet services. In its recent annual report published earlier this month, ATH acknowledged the dual nature of Starlink’s entry, viewing it as a chance for development while expressing concerns.
Ivan Fong, ATH’s chief executive officer, noted that while Starlink represents a competitive option for retail services, there are significant opportunities to enhance offerings and help connect underserved communities affordably. He mentioned that Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL), another ATH subsidiary, is working with Starlink to utilize its satellite technology, which will help expand reach and connectivity in the region.
Fong highlighted that while ATH sees promise in collaborating with operators like Starlink to broaden mobile coverage in remote locations, there are apprehensions regarding data sovereignty, information security, and regulatory compliance. He emphasized the need for uniform terms and conditions for all internet service providers to promote fair competition in the market.
Starlink’s official launch in the Cook Islands last month had an immediate negative impact on Vodafone Cook Islands, another ATH subsidiary, which reported a 12 percent drop in Internet revenue and significant losses in high-value residential and specific business segments due to Starlink’s introduction.
Earlier this year in July, Telecom Fiji became the first ATH subsidiary to secure a partnership as a Starlink reseller in Fiji.
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