Vodafone Fiji has been announced as the latest authorized reseller of Starlink satellite Internet services, marking it as the second subsidiary of Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) to do so in under five months. This announcement was made last week.
The collaboration aims to introduce advanced satellite internet technology to Fiji, aligning with Vodafone Fiji’s commitment to providing innovative connectivity solutions to the local community. Utilizing Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, Vodafone Fiji plans to offer its enterprise customers reliable high-speed internet access, even in the country’s most remote areas.
Starlink’s arrival in the Pacific presents both opportunities and challenges for ATH, which has expanded into this region in recent years, providing mobile services under the Vodafone brand alongside subsea cable internet. In its recent annual report, ATH noted that while Starlink poses a competitive threat in the retail market, it also offers significant opportunities to enhance services and improve connectivity for underserved communities cost-effectively.
Ivan Fong, the CEO of ATH, mentioned that the company is collaborating with Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL) and potentially other subsidiaries to utilize Starlink’s satellite technology, which would enhance connectivity across the region. However, he raised concerns about issues such as data sovereignty, information security, and adherence to regulations and tax laws, which may be impacted by the rise of low-Earth orbit satellites.
Fong also emphasized the need for uniform regulations for all internet service providers to ensure fair market competition. Following the official launch of Starlink in the Cook Islands last month, Vodafone Cook Islands, another ATH subsidiary, reported a 12 percent drop in internet revenue, attributed to the new competition from Starlink.
In July, Telecom Fiji became the first ATH subsidiary to partner with Starlink as a reseller in Fiji.
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