There's been some interesting developments and announcements about StarLink by the Kingdom of
Tonga recently.
This follows the banning of
Starlink by Samoa 18 months ago. That ban remained in force until last March when the
Govt somewhat begrudgingly reversed their decision, although there remain restrictions to residents for importation of Starlink
equipment. Essentially they'll need a
permit and permission from the Govt. I do wonder whether visiting yachts will be allowed
legal use of Starlink
equipment.
Going by this report, I guess the answer is a firm NO! Report dated 23 May 24 from
Radio NZ that says radio equipment will be seized at the Samoan border. Scary announcements!!!
Some years ago the Govt in
Tonga, as with some other Pacific countries, decided to embark on restricting and filtering
internet access for their population. Here's a dated article discussing this:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/...nted-by-public
But since that time of course we've seen the development, promulgation and propagation of Starlink.
Starlink was actually of huge benefit following in the wake of the Tsunami. The main undersea
communications cable was cut by the volcanic eruption. Not just taking out
internet and access to one's favourite porn channels, but all electronic comms with the exception of
satellite based. Here's an article in which the benefits of an independent wireless
service to outlying islands in particular was welcomed. They'd essentially been completely cut off.
This Reuters news report extolls the help that Starlink provided.
And a similar sentiment article from the Australian BroadCasting Corp.
In recent weeks (as of July 2024) Tonga has issued a notice to Starlink Services, LLC to cease and desist it's
service in their country. There have also been some articles that report Tonga regards Starlink as illegal. And from news reports Starlink have complied.
Here are links to some reports:
Interest New Zealand
Islands Business
Cook Islands News
Very recently too a component of Tonga's undersea
network was damaged and so, with the ban of Starlink in place residents were transferred back to the days before electronic communication existed.
This Guardian article describes the situation and also the petition that locals had been circulating to get the Govt to back down. This is actually very very unusual for the people of Tonga who are incredibly loyal to their King. (Sorry but you may find yourself behind a pay wall for the Guardian article.)
Just to quote from Island Business article, published 15 July 24, in the link about
:
The Tonga government considers that Starlink‘s roaming network services linked to personal satellite antennas, to be illegal in Tonga, even when they are on ships and yachts passing through Tongan waters and on isolated islands that have no alternative data or telephone services.
And for those who are wondering why Govts of tiny Pacific nations are taking this stance (and perhaps haven't been interested to click links and read all of the articles), from my own
research and observation it's all about sexuality.
Here's a travel advisory from the Tongan Govt.
'
Sabbath laws limit Sunday activities and most activities are prohibited unless you're at a resort. Activities such as swimming, playing sport, dancing, listening to loud music, and fishing are illegal on Sundays. Sodomy is a criminal offence, punishable with a prison term. Dress modestly and avoid public affection to avoid unwanted attention. '
So I suggest that this is all about preventing porn to enter their countries. In Tonga,
Fiji,
Samoa and other small island nations citizens do not enjoy the same freedoms and rights as we both demand and expect in the west.
Interested to hear from cruisers in the area if they're able to still use their Starlink connection?
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