Vodafone Fiji has officially become the latest authorized reseller of Starlink satellite internet services, marking its status 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 bring advanced satellite internet technology to Fiji, aligning with Vodafone Fiji’s goal of offering innovative connectivity solutions to the local community. By utilizing Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, the company plans to provide reliable high-speed internet to its enterprise customers, even in the most isolated areas of the nation.
Starlink’s introduction into the Pacific region has presented both opportunities and challenges for ATH, which has expanded its mobile telephone services to several Pacific countries under the Vodafone brand and has implemented subsea cable internet to enhance its service offerings.
In its most recent annual report issued earlier this month, ATH acknowledged that Starlink’s entry brings valuable development prospects alongside some concerns. ATH’s chief executive officer, Ivan Fong, emphasized that while Starlink poses a competitive threat in the retail sector, it also presents significant opportunities to improve services and connect underserved communities in a cost-efficient way.
He noted that Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL), and potentially other subsidiaries in the near future, are collaborating with Starlink to leverage its satellite technology, thereby extending their reach and enhancing connectivity throughout the region.
Despite the potential benefits of partnering with operators like Starlink to increase mobile coverage in remote areas, ATH has expressed concerns over data sovereignty, information security, and compliance with regulations and tax laws. Fong highlighted the importance of establishing uniform terms and conditions for all internet service providers to ensure fair market competition.
Starlink’s official launch in the Cook Islands last month had an immediate effect on Vodafone Cook Islands, a subsidiary of ATH, which saw a 12 percent drop in internet revenue and significant losses in both high-yield residential and certain business segments of the broadband market due to Starlink’s presence.
Earlier this year, in July, Telecom Fiji became the first subsidiary of ATH to start reselling Starlink services in Fiji.
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