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Public Demand and Regional Pushback Shape Starlink’s Entry in Turks and Caicos
By Deandrea Hamilton
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 2025 – A recent public survey by the Turks and Caicos Telecommunications Commission, publicized in Public Notice 2025‑13, revealed a surge in demand for satellite-based internet. An estimated 45% of respondents said they’re dissatisfied with current services, and a remarkable 89% expressed interest in satellite broadband, signaling a potentially paved red carpet for Starlink to enter TCI’s market.
Residents, particularly on Grand Turk, North, Middle, and South Caicos, cited frequent outages and capacity bottlenecks tied to aging microwave backhaul systems. Meanwhile, 81% specifically mentioned interest in Starlink, driven by hopes for improved reliability, rural access, and disaster resilience.
Starlink initially filed for a license in March 2025 but withdrew to allow completion of the consultation process—which received input from Digicel, Flow, Starlink, Viasat, and Amazon’s Kuiper. Debate centered on whether to create a new satellite-specific licensing category, adjust fees, enforce local presence or Islander ownership, and regulate VSAT terminals and spectrum interference.
But TCI isn’t alone in wrestling with these questions. At last week’s CANTO conference in Nassau, Caribbean telecom leaders echoed identical concerns. According to the Tribune, Cable Bahamas warned satellite providers like Starlink hold an unfair edge—having zero local infrastructure costs and minimal license fees. They criticized URCA’s proposed fees as “13,000 times” lower than for other operators, risking a “pricing war” and job losses (The Tribune).
Similarly, Flow and Digicel in TCI argue for technology-neutral licensing, local investment requirements, and spectrum rules designed to
maintain competitive balance. Support for satellite entrants like Starlink is strong among consumers—but deeply contested by incumbents protective of their 127‑year (Flow) and nearly 19‑year (Digicel) market presence.
The CANTO forum underscored this tension, with delegates stressing the need to close connectivity gaps while safeguarding local operators and compliance frameworks (NOW Grenada). Starlink insists satellite can complement terrestrial networks, especially in underserved and emergency contexts, but regulators face pressure to strike a level playing field.
The Commission is now weighing several approaches:
- A new Satellite Internet Service License (SISL)
- Tiered licensing fees tied to service scope
- Local hiring or economic contributions in lieu of ownership mandates
- Internationally aligned spectrum and interference standards
- Ongoing scrutiny of consumer safeguards post-market entry
Whatever the final structure, it’s clear: public frustration has shone a light on TCI’s digital divide—and Starlink might just be the catalyst for change. As both the public and regional telecom bodies speak up, the decision to license satellite internet may reshape the telecom landscape across the Caribbean.
For now, Starlink remains out of the market — but momentum is building. A final decision on licensing is expected later this year.
With the public demanding better performance and more choices, the Turks and Caicos Islands may be on the verge of a telecom shakeup — one that could catapult the country from frustration to future-ready with just the flick of a satellite dish.
The insights and data referenced in this report were drawn from the Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission’s Public Notice 2025-13: Public Consultation on Satellite-Based Internet Services – Summary of Stakeholder and Public Engagement & Next Steps, issued on July 11, 2025.
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
August 15, 2025 – At least nine people, including four children, were killed in flash flooding on the island of São Vicente, Cabo Verde, when the storm that
would become Hurricane Erin swept through the West African archipelago last week. Authorities there say another five remain missing and more than 1,500 residents were displaced after torrential rains inundated homes and swept vehicles from the streets.
Now a major hurricane over the Atlantic, Erin has moved past the Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where residents endured heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas over the weekend. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued an official all clear for the Leeward and British Virgin Islands, though forecasters caution that flood watches, high surf, and rip current risks remain in place.
Damage assessments from the Virgin Islands are still under way, with reports of localized flooding, power outages, and disrupted transport. No fatalities have been reported in the Caribbean to date.
Attention has now shifted to the Turks and Caicos Islands, which are beginning to feel tropical storm conditions as Erin tracks northwest.
Heavy rainbands and gusty winds are expected to continue there into Monday, bringing the potential for flooding and coastal erosion.
Meanwhile, in The Bahamas, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall, dangerous seas, and possible tropical-storm-force winds later this week. Travelers to both The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are being urged to monitor advisories closely, check travel plans with airlines and hotels, and follow local safety instructions.
