The satellite-based service reaches its 99th global market, aiming to boost connectivity in remote areas of Fiji.
SUVA, FIJI — Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, tweeted the official launch of its services in Fiji, covering all 300+ islands of the Republic. Fiji makes the 99th country, territory, or market globally to gain access to Starlink’s high-speed internet service.
As part of SpaceX, Starlink uses a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide internet coverage to underserved and remote areas across the globe. The service promises to deliver high-speed internet with lower latency compared to traditional satellite internet technologies, a boon for Fiji, where many areas suffer from poor to no connectivity.
What Starlink Offers
Starlink’s service includes a user kit, which consists of a small satellite dish, a mounting tripod, and a Wi-Fi router. The installation process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing customers to set up the hardware themselves with relative ease. The service promises internet speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps, which is a substantial upgrade over existing options in many parts of Fiji.
The introduction of Starlink is expected to have wide-reaching effects, improving everything from access to education and healthcare services to enabling local businesses to compete in global markets. Furthermore, the service’s ability to provide reliable internet access during natural disasters could be crucial for emergency response and disaster recovery efforts, which are particularly relevant in the Pacific region known for its vulnerability to such events.
While Starlink’s services promise transformative potential, the cost remains a consideration. The standard setup cost includes a one-time fee for the user kit and a monthly subscription. As of now, Starlink has set the price at USD $599 for the equipment and a monthly fee of USD $110. However, these costs might be adjusted to better suit local economic conditions in Fiji.
The launch in Fiji is part of Starlink’s broader strategy to provide global internet coverage, particularly targeting areas where connectivity has been a major challenge. As the company moves forward, it aims to continue expanding its satellite constellation to improve coverage and service quality worldwide.
With its service now live in Fiji, Starlink is set to play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, offering high-speed internet that could unlock economic growth and enhance the quality of life for the Fijian population.
