Vodafone Fiji has officially become the latest authorized reseller of Starlink satellite Internet services, marking it as the second subsidiary of Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) to achieve this status in under five months. The announcement was made last week.
This partnership aims to bring advanced satellite internet technology to Fiji, aligning with Vodafone Fiji’s goal to provide innovative connectivity solutions for the Fijian community. Utilizing Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, Vodafone Fiji intends to offer its enterprise clients reliable high-speed internet, even in the most isolated areas of the country.
Starlink’s introduction to the Pacific has posed both opportunities and challenges for ATH, which has recently expanded its mobile phone services in several Pacific nations under the Vodafone brand and provides subsea cable Internet. In its recent annual report, the telecom group acknowledged that the arrival of Starlink presents significant developmental potential, alongside certain concerns.
Ivan Fong, the CEO of ATH, commented, “Although Starlink poses a competitive challenge in the retail sector, we see considerable opportunities to enhance our services and help bridge the digital divide by connecting underserved regions in a cost-effective manner.” He noted that Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL) is working with Starlink to utilize its satellite technology to expand reach and connectivity throughout the region.
Fong expressed that while ATH is optimistic about collaborating with companies like Starlink to improve mobile coverage in remote locations, there are also apprehensions. He highlighted that the growth of low Earth orbit satellites could bring forth issues associated with data sovereignty, information security, and compliance with exchange control regulations and tax laws. He emphasized the need for standardized terms and conditions for all internet service providers to foster fair competition within the market.
Last month, Starlink officially launched in the Cook Islands, resulting in a 12 percent decrease in internet revenue for Vodafone Cook Islands, a subsidiary of ATH. The decline was linked to considerable losses in the lucrative residential and certain business segments of the broadband market due to Starlink’s market entry.
Earlier this year, Telecom Fiji became the first ATH subsidiary in Fiji to be appointed as a Starlink reseller.
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