Government says it will reactivate Starlink, reaches compromise with public

The Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, Communications and Computer Emergency Response Team (MEIDECC) announced today in a public statement that it will issue a provisional licence for Starlink to operate in Tonga. The licence is valid for six months and is issued under Section 29 (15.01) of the Communications Act 2015.

The interim license imposes several conditions to ensure regulatory compliance and address public concerns. Starlink must meet tax obligations, provide terminal details, sell directly to the public, consider a reseller model with local operators, and provide local payment methods for Tongan businesses. Reported Last week, despite the government ordering Starlink to stop service, customers can still pay to use Starlink services. It seems that these government measures are more like a patchwork solution than a coherent regulatory strategy. So, will it take another six months before Starlink is finally granted a full operating license?

While the license is intended to restore access to Starlink satellite internet service, a critical alternative during the current cable outage, the government’s erratic stance suggests a lack of consistent policy and vision. The compromise decision raises concerns about regulatory enforcement and the precedent it sets for companies operating without proper authorization. While the license is intended to restore access to satellite internet during the current cable outage, it also highlights the challenges Tonga faces in regulating new technologies.

One business on Vava’u told Tonga Talanoa that several yachts had departed from Neiafu Harbor this week due to poor internet connectivity on the island. The outage caused eftpos machines to malfunction, resulting in local businesses losing customers. Additionally, whale watching tours were affected as the communication outage affected bookings and the customer experience. The Ministry of Tourism could have provided assistance to alleviate this rather backwards experience in the 21st century, but it seems everyone is left to fend for themselves.

This follows the government’s recent order for Starlink to stop service from July 10 due to illegal use of satellite terminals and disruption of undersea optical cables Impact on Vava’u and Hā’āi Satellite signals have been disrupted in the Tongan archipelago since June 29. Many Tongans, especially those living in the outer islands, have switched to Starlink’s global satellite network since 2022 through roaming subscriptions registered abroad, highlighting the urgent need for reliable communications solutions. Prime Minister Sovalenei told the media last week that the communications outage was an “inconvenience”, but stressed that “the law cannot be thrown aside because of slow internet speeds.”

It now appears that MEIDECC is trying to balance public concerns and regulatory compliance during the processing of Starlink’s full license application. “The Tonga government commends the Starlink team for the productive and collaborative approach they took during the evaluation process,” MEIDECC said in a statement. “We wish Starlink Pacific Islands LLC every success in building a business that continues to benefit all citizens and residents of Tonga.”

“The issuance of this license is intended to address public concerns while ensuring operations are carried out in accordance with regulatory requirements while a full licensing application is completed,” explained MEIDECC CEO Sione ‘Aka’oula. However, the response raised questions about the government’s initial decision to ban Starlink and its sudden change of decision after the Starlink terminal appeared to have been shut down. Operating “illegally” in Tonga From February 2022.