TRBR confirms two network resellers for Starlink in Vanuatu
October 20, 2024 10:16 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Adorina Massing.
The Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) has announced two active resellers for Starlink services in Vanuatu so far: Pacific Link Vanuatu and Pacific Networks.
Ritchie Bule Melve, the Senior Market, Competition, and Consumer Officer at TRBR, confirmed that a telecommunications licence was granted to Starlink on August 21, 2024.
However, Starlink’s operations in Vanuatu were fully legalised only after the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) issued its business licence on October 7, 2024, allowing it to operate fully in the country.
“As of last week Tuesday (October 8{sup}th{/sup}), the Starlink Company have confirmed they are now operational and live in Vanuatu, with full coverage over all islands of Vanuatu,” he said.
Regarding the use of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for network coverage, Mr. Melve mentioned from earlier discussions that quite a number of Starlink satellites will be within range for Vanuatu.
He emphasised the advantages of the Starlink network, noting that “it is global and can be accessed anywhere, providing reliable and fast Internet speeds.”
The TRBR officer highlighted that the service will significantly benefit small businesses, education, the health sector, financial services (like online banking), and other high data consumers.
It will also expand coverage to each island in Vanuatu, especially areas without existing mobile coverage.
Melve further explained that Starlink initially submitted a business proposal in 2021 and has now received approval to operate.
“It has been almost three years since Starlink applied for a Telecom license to fully operate in the country, “ he said.
“We experienced several delays because we required them to meet all necessary requirements and comply with the laws of our country.
“Last week, we approved tariffs for our first reseller, Pacific Link Limited, to offer Starlink services, and on October 17th, we approved tariffs for another reseller, Pacific Networks.”
According to their web page, Pacific Link Vanuatu based in Santo offers high-speed satellite Internet connections for urban and rural customers, including those in remote areas, also with the use of LEO satellites similar to Starlink.
Pacific Networks is a 100% Vanuatu owned private company based in Port Vila, that focuses on providing enterprise grade solutions ranging from basic web hosting through to advanced ICT services delivery.
“We have not received any proposals from other service providers, apart from the two companies in Vanuatu that are now approved resellers of Starlink services,” Mr. Melve stated.
He emphasised, “As we all know, any reseller must obtain a license from TRBR if they wish to work with Starlink, along with approval documents from the world’s largest satellite company. Only then can we approve their tariffs and authorise them to resell.”
Mr. Melve also explained that to acquire or purchase Starlink, customers can either order directly from the Starlink website or through the authorised resellers in Vanuatu.
“Ordering directly from Starlink will take a few weeks for the equipment to arrive in Vanuatu, and the equipment you order online for personal use or business must have a type approval import permit, approved by TRBR,” he said.
“If you are purchasing for personal use then it’s free but if its business related then one has to pay VT1,000 fee for each model regardless of the quantity.”
He highlighted the convenience of using a broker who can handle the entire process through a single-window system, including applying for an import permit on your behalf.
This allows Starlink equipment to be cleared at Customs without the need to visit the customs department in person.
Prior to granting a licence to Starlink, TRBR has confirmed many people were illegally bringing into the country the equipment, without import permits.
Some of these equipment were detained at the border by the customs officers, but some were coming into the country unnoticed by our officers at the borders since they were not declared.
He confirmed that devices are now geo-block as such anyone with devices being turned off, must re-subscribe under Starlink Vanuatu.
“Prior to Starlink being granted a telecom licence, an exception was granted to Starlink during the Category 2 twin cyclones – Judy and Kevin and its exception was extended as requested and facilitated by the National Disaster Management Office, because of the third severe Tropical Cyclone Lola,” said Melve.
“The exception licence was granted to Starlink to address emergency response and to facilitate the recovery during the State of Emergency.”
