Starlink links Motalava village, ends years of isolation
January 1, 2026 9:40 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Torres Constituency, John Joseph, has purchased and installed a Starlink satellite internet system for Avar Village on Motalava Island, ending years of communication challenges caused by poor mobile network coverage.
The Starlink installation now allows over 100 villagers to access the internet within their community, instead of walking to the beach or climbing trees to find a signal.
Residents expressed gratitude to MP Joseph, describing the Starlink system as a “Christmas and New Year present” after more than 17 years of unreliable Digicel and Vodafone service.
Avar Village also has more than 20 residents currently working in Australia and New Zealand under seasonal worker programmes. The new internet connection is expected to make it easier for them to stay in regular contact with family members.
MP Joseph said communication difficulties in Avar Village have existed since the introduction of mobile phones, making it hard for residents to stay connected with relatives on other islands and overseas.
“The main reason we installed Starlink in Avar Village is that communication in their area has long been difficult with both Digicel and Vodafone,” he said. “Many residents had to walk to the beach, even at midnight, just to talk to their families. Installing Starlink close to their homes allows them to communicate safely and reliably, especially with those working abroad.”
He added that the system will be accessible to all villagers and will also provide easy access to weather forecasts, improving safety for fishermen and travelers.
Improved connectivity is also expected to benefit local businesses by making communication and coordination more efficient. MP Joseph noted that villagers often risked their safety moving around at night or during bad weather in search of a mobile signal.
The installation represents a major step in improving connectivity for Avar Village and demonstrates the potential of satellite technology to bridge communication gaps in remote communities across TORBA Province.
