The reselling in Fiji of Starlink’s Internet service is currently being explored in order to make it easier for Fijians to purchase its services, the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF) has revealed.
In an interview with this newspaper, TAF chairman David Eyre said the setup of an office in Fiji is not a specific condition under Starlink’s license but “Starlink Fiji, we understand, are pursuing opportunities with entities to resell its Starlink (Fiji) services for use in Fiji.”
TAF had issued a public notice in March restricting the importation of Starlink kits, which Mr Eyre later explained was specifically aimed at third party resellers of Starlink services based outside of Fiji reselling Starlink services to Fijians before Starlink officially went live in Fiji.
This directive, he confirmed, was still in place.
“Starlink may pursue sale of their Fiji services via resellers,” Mr Eyre said.
“The issue previously was third party entities selling Starlink services procured outside of Fiji for use in Fiji.
“Any entity that sells Starlink services that are deemed non-Fiji services are doing so illegally.
“For those who wish to resell Starlink (Fiji) services, they can do so as a reseller of Starlink (Fiji). The public are advised to ensure they purchase services from Starlink (Fiji) or via Starlink (Fiji)’s authorised resellers, whomever they should be.”
On the initially confusing issue of import permit, Mr Eyre said the requirement still stands.
“An import permit is still required to purchase and use Starlink (Fiji) services. Starlink (Fiji) have incorporated TAF’s import permit process within their service acquisition process.”
Starlink, which was issued its license to operate in Fiji in November last year, will be levied fees based on its annual gross revenues recorded from Starlink (Fiji) services sold and used in Fiji, Mr Eyre said.
Starlink officially went live across the Fiji archipelago of over 300 islands last month, becoming its 99th international market.
