The Communications Regulator will pause the issuing of VSAT licences for an initial period of 4 months.
A statement issued by the Regulator says:
This is to allow the Falkland Islands Government and the Communications Regulator to consider the recommendations of the Select Committee on the (Starlink) Petition, and develop a sustainable way forward.
The statement continues to say that a ‘limited number’ of VSAT licences have been issued over the past year, mainly to businesses and a few residential addresses. These applications have requested VSAT licences to access Starlink services ‘despite Starlink not holding a licence to operate in the Falklands.’
The Regulator points out ‘widespread unlicensed usage’ (of Starlink) and says investigations into these unauthorised usages will continue. Those using Starlink are urged to comply with appropriate licencing framework.
However, the Regulator says the framework historically applied doesn’t meet current needs and must be reviewed.
Also outdated, according to the Regulator, is the 2019 guidance notes advising those applying for VSAT licences:
I consider this guidance to be outdated and will cease to use it to issue any licences. The guidance as it stands is contributing to uncertainty. It sets out that licences are available only in ‘exceptional circumstances’ but there is no common understanding of what an exceptional circumstance may be or what evidence needs to be provided.
No licences will be issued whilst the framework is reviewed.
