Starlink Win Secured – Now the Real Work Begins

The Starlink Petition Group has announced a change of focus and a change of name once Starlink VSAT licences are issued in the Falkland Islands.

Starlink Petition Group Press Release

24th August 2025

– Starlink Win – But the Fight for Fair Telecoms Continues –

Thanks to your incredible support, dedication, and determination, we have achieved a historic milestone: Starlink is now approved. This is a victory for fairness, digital inclusion, and people power. It proves that when islanders come together, we can achieve real, lasting change.

VSAT licences are expected to be offered by FIG within the coming weeks. With this milestone in sight, the Starlink Petition Group believes it is the right moment to look ahead and plan for the future. This press release sets out our next steps and explains how islanders can continue to play a vital role in shaping fair and accessible telecommunications for all.

Despite this win, a significant challenge remains: Sure South Atlantic still holds a monopoly over key terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure in the Falklands. They retain exclusive control over terrestrial fixed-line and mobile networks and services, continuing to receive public subsidies without facing genuine competition. As a result, residents and businesses still face high prices, poor service, restrictive data caps, limited mobile coverage, and a lack of innovation. We deserve better.

Our vision is a Falklands where everyone has access to reliable, fast, appropriately affordable, and innovative services. We believe the way forward is to create an environment that fosters innovation rather than protects monopolies. Competition should drive prices down and service quality up, not be stifled by outdated exclusivity agreements.

That is why the Starlink Petition Group is shifting its focus and changing its name to the Connected Falklands Group (CFG). The CFG will be a fully independent advocacy group representing all telecommunications consumers in the Falklands. This change will take effect on the day the first VSAT licences are issued.

Our two main goals proposed are:

1. End exclusivity: Now that non-exclusivity for broadband services is permitted with the advent of VSAT (Starlink) approval, CFG will work to ensure that no further exclusive telecommunications licences are issued for any terrestrial telecommunications service once the current exclusive licence expires.
2. Promote a sustainable model: CFG believes the only long-term viable solution for telecommunications in the Falkland Islands is a Public-Private Venture (PPV), under which FIG would retain full ownership of the telecommunications infrastructure across the islands. Day-to-day customer service activities would be delivered by a partner service company, ensuring that future telecommunications services are provided with fairness, affordability, and resilience in mind for future generations. This approach ensures that telecommunications remain a public service designed to benefit all Falkland Islands consumers, rather than serving private monopoly interests.

To make this happen, CFG will immediately launch the next phase of our campaign. This will include a public awareness drive, a ‘call to action’, together with a renewed engagement with MLAs, Communications Regulator, Falkland Islands Government (FIG), and FIG’s telecommunication consultant, Cambridge Management Consulting. CFG will request formal recognition by these stakeholders and for active engagement in future telecommunications ongoing strategy discussions.

CFG will advocate for universal access, FIG-owned infrastructure, and long-term digital resilience – not just for today’s users, but for generations to come. CFG will also hold a further town hall meeting before the elections to discuss options and engage with everyone, ensuring we are advocates for the people to the best of our ability. CFG hopes this meeting will be as well-supported as the 2024 Starlink town hall meeting.

CFG needs your help once again. Stay engaged, speak to your MLA and prospective MLAs before Legislative Assembly elections in December, and tell them you want a telecoms future that works for the many, not the few. Your voice matters. If this issue affects your work, your family, your farm, your settlement, your school, or your business, MLAs, FIG and CFG need to hear from you!

The success of the Starlink campaign proved that when we act together, change is possible. Now it is time to take the next step. Let us end the monopoly. Let us open up the future. Let us build a modern, fair, and competitive telecommunications system that puts the people of the Falklands first.

For further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with CFG’s Chairman, Simon Verrechia, on +500 5380 or email at simonv321@gmail.com.

Starlink Petition Group, soon to be, Connected Falklands Group