Minister Vaz: Starlink Soon to Be Operational In Jamaica

CVM LIVE understands that a license was signed by Technology Minister, Daryl Vaz for Space-X-owned telecoms provider, Starlink, to provide services in Jamaica soon.

The company sought a license to operate locally which the Minister says he intends to approve this week. The satellite internet transmission is hoped to provide service for many of Jamaica’s under-served.

The push to diversify the local telecoms market could see billionaire Elon Musk’s Space-X Operated Starlink services offering satellite internet to Jamaicans. Technology Minister Daryl Vaz says once the approval is finalized locals could start benefiting before the end of the year.

Currently, two major telecoms providers namely Flow and Digicel operate in Jamaica providing internet, phone, and cable services through fibre optic connections. The Minister says a third telecoms license has also been granted to Rock Mobile, a Jamaican-owned company.

Reports are that Nokia has announced it has been selected by Rock connect to deploy a 4g-lte Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network in Jamaica. The project aims to cover 95% of the population by 2025.

However, Starlink – a satellite internet constellation operated by Space X. Currently provides satellite internet access coverage to 40 countries. It also aims for global mobile phone service after 2023. The company’s been launching Starlink satellites since 2019 and is expected to launch another 52 Starlink satellites to orbit Tuesday night.

Just how much change is likely to result from the entrance of Starlink services to the domestic market is yet to be known. 

Minister Vaz told CVM LIVE Monday; the company may catalyse greater competition in the telecoms market. More details in the report:

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