The Regulator, Lematua Gisa Fuatai Purcell said the official approval for the operation of Space X's Starlink satellite services in Samoa is limited to school projects and health centres.

The Cabinet has approved Space X's Starlink satellite services to operate in the country. 

This follows confirmation by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt last month saying the Cabinet approved the operation of Starlink services in the country and this was the government's vision for enhanced internet accessibility and affordability for all Samoans.

In an email correspondence with the Samoa Observer on Monday, Lematua was queried what this will mean for Samoa now that the Cabinet had endorsed the use of Starlink in the country.

"What Cabinet approved was the project for schools and health centres using Starlink units," she stated.

Asked whether the people who had bought their Starlink kits from New Zealand could still use them.

"The OOTR is holding a public consultation on Wed 10 April at Level 6 DBS meeting room for information including this question. I do not want to pre-empt publicly before advising those who bought their Starlink units from overseas."

Meanwhile, La'auli disclosed that the Cabinet, in its weekly deliberations, endorsed the utilisation of Starlink satellite services, heralding a significant milestone in Samoa's technological advancement.

The Cabinet's endorsement of Starlink's services was perceived to have marked a decisive turn, nullifying a previous order issued by the Acting Regulator in January of this year. 

The order, which mandated the immediate cessation of unauthorised Starlink satellite services in Samoa, including Starlink user terminals and service plans not approved by the Office of the Regulator, is now superseded by the government's approval.

Highlighting the government's proactive approach, La'auli revealed that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology are actively collaborating to ensure the security and economic benefits of utilising Starlink services remain within Samoa's borders. 

This strategic partnership aims to explore avenues for retaining a portion of the revenue generated from Starlink services within the local economy.

At the forefront of this initiative is the overarching objective of providing fast and affordable internet services to the people of Samoa.