PM Sovaleni told the media in a press conference yesterday that his government has instructed the Low Earth Satellite broadband provider, Starlink, to cease operations due to the absence of an operating license. And Starlink did so causing public dissatisfaction.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasised the importance of sticking to the rules. “We understand the public’s frustration, but we cannot disregard the law,” he said. In response to a question from the media about granting Starlink a provisional license, the Prime Minister stressed the need for compliance with legal requirements. “We have laws to follow, and it’s not just about convenience,” he said.
Addressing concerns about prioritising public interest over regulations, the Prime Minister questioned the idea of sidelining the law for faster internet access. “Are we going to sideline the law because someone is complaining about not having fast internet or fast Facebook?” he asked.
The timeframe for Starlink to receive its license depends on meeting the requirements set by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communications (MEIDECC), such as local investment. Earlier this year, the Government said that it had received Starlink’s application for an operating license but they’re still considering it.
MEIDECC acting director Stan ‘Ahio confirmed the government’s decision. “‘We all understand the level of services provided by Starlink, but we need to do it within the laws of Tonga,” he said.
‘Ahio says MEIDECC is working on the best possible solution for Starlink’s license application. Starlink users can still apply to MEIDECC for a provisional license, which costs $200. After payment, the ministry notifies Starlink to reconnect customers terminal.
Following the 2022 tsunami that severed Tonga’s subsea optical fiber cable, Starlink donated 50 terminals and established an Earth station in Fiji to restore connectivity. Despite this, recent earthquakes have continued to disrupt Tonga’s cable infrastructure.
A petition has been launched to allow Starlink to provide services, with local users arguing that high-speed internet is crucial for economic development, education, healthcare, and disaster response. But PM Sovaleni thinks otherwise.
