Villagers in Naviavia, Vanua Levu, no longer have to worry about internet connectivity and telephone services after receiving a Starlink satellite dish and a telephone as part of a government pilot programme.
Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia personally handed over the Starlink equipment, which includes a link and two access points providing Wi-Fi coverage via a voucher system.
For locals, this is a game-changer, especially in times of crisis. District Advisory Councillor Sade Marika said the initiative would ensure villagers can access help during cyclones and other natural disasters.
“This is a big help for us, as we struggle to communicate with those around us, especially in bad weather.”
Marika added that the improved connectivity would keep the community informed about government support and development programmes, helping them progress within the village.
The impact of Starlink in rural and disaster-prone areas has drawn praise from experts. Associate Professor and Head of Journalism at the University of the South Pacific, Dr Shailendra Singh, highlighted the strong link between communications and development.
“This is certainly a positive outcome, especially for remote areas that are not easily accessible. Cheaper, better, and more reliable communications infrastructure can make a big difference, particularly in bad weather when traditional networks fail,” Dr Singh told The Australia Today.
“Starlink is more reliable in such situations, which is a major benefit in our disaster-prone region.”
The introduction of Starlink in Fiji aligns with President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere’s vision for expanding digital access in remote areas. During a meeting with Starlink founder Elon Musk in Bali, President Katonivere commended Musk for providing high-speed internet solutions in disaster-prone regions, citing Starlink’s proven resilience during the 2021 Tonga volcano disaster.
Musk emphasised that reliable internet is crucial for financial services and e-commerce, pointing to the recent undersea cable disruption that cost six East African countries billions of dollars. He suggested that Fiji’s leadership in adopting Starlink could set a precedent for the broader Pacific region.
Starlink is connecting more than 5M people with high-speed internet across 125 countries, territories and many other markets.
— Starlink (@Starlink) February 28, 2025
Thank you to all of our customers around the world!→ https://t.co/zR6w4t1qM9 pic.twitter.com/PGjNZAIifM
Beyond connectivity, Starlink’s potential role in climate adaptation, rural education, and desalination is also being explored, with Tesla’s solar power and battery storage technology offering further possibilities.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, currently has over 2,000 satellites in orbit and aims to deploy thousands more to expand global coverage. It is “connecting more than 5M people with high-speed internet across 125 countries, territories and many other markets.” The company has requested authorisation from the US Federal Communications Commission to launch up to 42,000 satellites, reinforcing its mission to provide high-speed internet access to even the most isolated communities.
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