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 do so in under five months. The announcement was made last week.
This partnership aims to introduce advanced satellite internet technology to Fiji, aligning with Vodafone Fiji’s goal of delivering innovative connectivity solutions to the local community. Through Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, Vodafone Fiji plans to offer reliable high-speed internet to its enterprise customers, including those in remote areas of the country.
Starlink’s entry into the Pacific presents both opportunities and challenges for ATH, which has expanded its mobile telephone services across several Pacific nations under the Vodafone brand and developed subsea cable internet offerings. In recent comments, ATH’s CEO Ivan Fong highlighted the dual nature of Starlink’s arrival, noting the competitive pressure it brings while also underscoring the prospect of leveraging its capabilities to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities efficiently.
Fong noted that Telecom Fiji Ltd, another ATH subsidiary, is partnering with Starlink to utilize its satellite technology to enhance connectivity in the region. However, he expressed concerns regarding the implications of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for data sovereignty, information security, and compliance with local regulations and tax laws. Fong emphasized the need for consistent terms and conditions for all internet service providers to maintain fair competition in the market.
The impact of this satellite service was felt quickly, as evidenced by Vodafone Cook Islands, a subsidiary of ATH, which reported a 12 percent decline in Internet revenue following Starlink’s launch in the Cook Islands last month. Significant losses in high-yield residential and specific business segments of the broadband market were attributed to Starlink’s presence.
In July, Telecom Fiji became the first ATH subsidiary to become a Starlink reseller in Fiji.
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