It was a rather surprising turn of events that the Cabinet moved swiftly to approve the services for Space X’s Starlink satellites services in Samoa. While this approval heralds good news for those seeking better and cheaper internet services, the terms and conditions of this approval are still very much in the dark.

As usual, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt announced on local television to show the ‘good work’ being done by the government for the people of this country. However, he failed to clarify how the services would operate in Samoa and if internet prices would be cheaper for that service.

This is yet another case where the minister has meddled in another ministry’s affairs. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Office of the Regulator should be the rightful authorities in disseminating this particular information.

Just because of that, many questions remain unanswered. How will Starlink operate in Samoa? How will they retail their kits? Have the costs been set? Can those people who have already bought Starlink kits from New Zealand continue using it? Does this announcement mean that the previous order by the Regulator regarding Starlink has been nullified?

These are important questions that need to be answered by the rightful authorities on the subject.

There is hope that with Starlink, the price of internet will drop and more people can afford it. What do we know about Starlink coming to Samoa?

Vodafone Samoa has said that Starlink does not sell directly to consumers but through reliable channel partners like Vodafone Samoa. The company is already in discussion with Starlink to launch the service in Samoa subject to regulatory approval.

At the end of the day, the telecommunication provider will want to make a profit. It will either drop its prices or ensure that Starlink prices in Samoa either remain the same or higher than theirs.

The government has a responsibility to ensure that internet is accessible and affordable because for economic growth connectivity is an important tool and an enabler. For this reason, the concept of free internet should be looked into. But perhaps that is something for the future.

In Fiji, internet prices were slashed after the regulatory authority ensured that line rental costs for telecommunication providers were reduced. The nation can follow this pathway. According to the Regulator, similar action has been taken where the telecommunication providers cost for line rental has been dropped but the prices in effect now are something that was approved before this happened.

In reality, if the providers want to lower their prices, they can submit new price lists and get it done but there is a ‘fat chance’ of that happening because lower costs and higher sale prices mean more profit.

As we know, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. From communication to business, education to entertainment, the internet has become a necessary component of modern society. However, not everyone has access to the internet and not everyone can afford the internet services, which are serious issues that need to be addressed.

In today's world, the internet is not only a tool for communication and entertainment, but also a vital part of the economy. With the transition to digital currency, the internet has become an essential part of financial transactions. People need to be able to access the internet to buy and sell goods and services, regardless of their economic status. This is particularly important for people living in poverty, who may not have access to traditional banking services.

In addition, the internet is crucial for the elderly and disabled. Many of these individuals may have difficulty physically going to a bank or store, but they can use pay apps and other online tools to make transactions. By providing free internet access, we can ensure that everyone can participate in the digital economy.

Moreover, the internet is an important tool for education. With the rise of online learning, students need access to the internet to access educational resources and tools. Without internet access, students from poorer communities will be at a disadvantage compared to their wealthier counterparts.

Finally, the internet is a critical part of our infrastructure. It is essential for communication and emergency services. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the internet played a crucial role in keeping people connected and informed.

Providing cheaper internet access for everyone is a necessary step towards ensuring that everyone has access to the digital economy, education, and communication.

The government can go a step further and invest in free internet access, we can create a more equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world, where most economic activity takes place now.