15th August 2025: The following message was posted by the Communications Regulator on the Regulator’s website on the 15th August 2025:
August updates: Starlink, VSAT and spectrum updates
Today, a proposed Licence for Starlink Internet Services Limited has been published. This can be viewed here: Proposed licence for Starlink Internet Services Limited.pdf(2.18 MB)
I am receiving representations on the proposed Licence until 12pm on Monday 1 September 2025. After Executive Council’s revision of the VSAT policy and fee in June 2025, work has been underway to open up VSAT licences which have been paused since last year. This work is advanced and further information will be available in the coming weeks. I would like to thank the public for their patience at this time.
When VSAT licences are available, compliance will be a regulatory priority. A proposed Investigation and Enforcement Policy for the unlicensed usage of VSATs can be reviewed here: pdfProposed VSAT Investigation and Enforcement Policy.pdf(227 KB) .
If you would like to provide feedback on the proposed policy, please get in touch with me as above.
25th August 2025: An update to this message was placed on Facebook, extending the deadline by a further two weeks.
I would like to advise that, following representations, I am now accepting responses to the proposed Starlink Licence and the VSAT Investigation and Enforcement Policy until Monday 15 September.This extension ensures the fullest opportunity for consultation responses to be made.
Penguin News – 31st July 2025
4th August 2025: Legislative Assembly public meeting:
Q5: Please could MLAs give a public update at the meeting on how Starlink licensing is progressing, and if possible, an estimated date for licence applications to open?
RESPONSE – from Chloe Freeman, Telecommunications Regulator to be read by Portfolio Holder, MLA Roger Spink
Licensing discussions with Starlink are progressing well and the Regulator hopes to start issuing VSAT licences again shortly. She doesn’t have a specific date yet. She is making administrative preparations for a large number of licences to be issued. She will put out some comms in the near future so people understand when and how they will be able to apply for and pay for their VSAT licence.
5th August 2025: Falkland Islands Government press statement on Facebook.
8th August 2025: Penguin News Credit: Penguin News
8th August: Sure Ascension Island media release.
See OpenFalkland’s post on this issue: Sure’s Ascension Standoff Hints at Falklands Strategy
August 15th: FITV telecommunications interviews (Credit FITV)
Chris Gare, OpenFalklands, August 2025, copyright OpenFalklands
