CEO for MEIDECC 

Sione Akauola

Minister of MEIDECC Honorable Mrs. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu

We are writing to you as a concerned citizens of Tonga, along with the undersigned individuals, to respectfully request that the government of Tonga take immediate action to allow access to Starlink internet services in our country.

In today’s increasingly digital world, access to reliable and high-speed internet is not merely a luxury but a necessity. It is essential for education, business, healthcare, and communication, particularly in remote and rural areas where traditional internet services are often inadequate or nonexistent.

Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, has the potential to revolutionize internet access in Tonga. By providing high-speed internet via a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink can offer several benefits:

Improved Internet Connectivity: Starlink can provide high-speed affordable internet to areas currently underserved by traditional internet service providers. This would bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Tongans have access to the internet, regardless of their geographical location.

Economic Development: Reliable internet access can drive economic growth by enabling businesses, residents, citizens, yachts, and tourists to operate more efficiently, reach broader markets, and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Education: Access to high-speed internet is crucial for modern education. It allows students and educators to access a wealth of online resources, engage in remote learning, and collaborate with peers and experts globally.

Healthcare: Telemedicine and online health resources can significantly improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote areas where access to medical facilities and specialists is limited.

Disaster Response and Management: High-speed internet can enhance communication and coordination during natural disasters, which are unfortunately not uncommon in our region. It can improve the effectiveness of emergency response and recovery efforts.

We understand that the introduction of a new internet service provider involves regulatory considerations and potential challenges. However, the benefits of allowing Starlink to operate in Tonga far outweigh any potential difficulties. We believe that by permitting Starlink to provide services in our country, the government would be taking a significant step toward ensuring that all Tongans can enjoy the advantages of modern, high-speed internet access.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, respectfully urge the government of Tonga to initiate the necessary processes to allow Starlink internet services to be made available in our country. We believe that this decision will have a profound and positive impact on our nation's connectivity, economy, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.

Thank you for considering our petition. We look forward to your favorable response and to the positive changes that Starlink internet services can bring to Tonga.

Yours sincerely,

Tongan Business Owners
Tongan Citizens
Tongan Tourists
Yachties