PHILIPSBURG:---The connectivity landscape in St. Maarten is on the cusp of a transformation. On May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) granted Starlink SXM B.V. an official license to operate throughout the country. This landmark decision allows Starlink, under the leadership of SpaceX, to provide broadband internet access across terrestrial, maritime, and aviation zones. With this authorization, residents, businesses, and even travelers in the region are poised to reap the benefits of a more connected future.
What the Starlink License Covers
The legal authorization issued by TEATT is governed under the National Decree on Radio-Electrical Installations, filling temporary gaps in local telecommunications legislation. The license is valid for five years and represents a significant step forward for the nation's digital infrastructure. Starlink’s service uses a cutting-edge Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver stable and high-speed internet access.
Until now, many St. Maarten residents who were interested in Starlink hesitated to adopt the service due to its unclear legal status. With this decree, that uncertainty is resolved, unlocking new opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.
To date, many residents have already reported strong satisfaction with Starlink’s offerings. Appreciated for its high reliability and consistent performance, Starlink has quickly gained a reputation for being a stable alternative to traditional internet providers.
Cost and Setup Details
Starlink’s monthly subscription fee is set at approximately $80, alongside a one-time equipment setup cost of $700. This pricing structure makes it accessible to a broad demographic, offering a robust solution to internet connectivity wherever traditional options may falter. Various private local providers are already actively advertising Starlink’s availability, which could help more users make the switch.
A Competitive Shake-Up for Local Telecom Providers
The introduction of Starlink services brings a new level of competition to St. Maarten's telecommunications market. Local providers, TelEm and Flow, long-standing players in the region, will need to adapt to maintain customer loyalty and market share.
For years, these companies have served the region’s communication needs, but Starlink offers a distinct edge due to the scalability and stability of its satellite-based network. With services extending across ground, sea, and air, Starlink introduces an unparalleled level of flexibility.
St. Maarten could soon witness significant shifts in customer preferences, especially in remote or underserved areas where traditional networks struggle to provide consistent coverage.
Regulatory Safeguards Ensure Compliance
Starlink’s operations in St. Maarten come with a detailed set of regulatory requirements. The Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP), which negotiated the agreement on behalf of the government, will closely monitor adherence to these conditions.
Key Compliance Points:
- Adherence to International Standards: All Starlink equipment and operations must comply with guidelines set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), CEPT, and ICNIRP. Importantly, only certified, technically qualified personnel are permitted to manage installations.
- Interference Prevention: Starlink must ensure its services do not disrupt other communication networks. If issues arise, the Bureau has the authority to issue corrective instructions, with the associated costs borne by Starlink.
- Prohibition on Unauthorized Resales: The license explicitly prohibits Starlink from offering government-mandated services or facilitating unauthorized reselling of its internet access. Cooperation with local authorities to mitigate violations remains paramount.
- Corporate Safeguards: To preserve regulatory oversight, the company cannot undergo a transfer of ownership or change in control without prior written approval from the Minister.
Gaps in Current Legislation
While this license marks a groundbreaking moment in St. Maarten's technological landscape, it also highlights existing gaps in the local legal framework around satellite internet services. Presently, the National Ordinance on Telecommunications Facilities does not fully address LEO satellite operations.
The license issued to Starlink is thus seen as a stopgap measure, paving the way for more robust and permanent regulations in the future. Policymakers will need to act swiftly to ensure the region maximizes the potential of satellite-based internet technologies while maintaining effective oversight.
Implications for Businesses, Residents, and Travelers
- For residents, the legalization of Starlink means better access to reliable, high-speed internet, even in areas previously underserved by traditional providers. With its consistent connectivity, Starlink may play a vital role in bridging digital divides within the community.
- Businesses
- Businesses stand to gain significantly as well. Reliable internet is a lifeline for companies looking to scale operations, support remote work, or expand into e-commerce. Additionally, Starlink’s ability to provide connectivity during adverse weather or natural disasters makes it an invaluable tool for business continuity planning.
- Travelers and Maritime Operations
St. Maarten’s economic reliance on tourism cannot be overstated, and Starlink provides a way to improve connectivity for visitors in remote areas or aboard yachts and cruise ships. This also holds true for airlines operating in the region, where aerial internet connectivity can become a unique selling point.
The Road Ahead
With Starlink now officially authorized in St. Maarten, the nation has positioned itself at the forefront of satellite-driven internet innovation. Notably, this extends to Saint Martin’s, ensuring even maritime travelers and businesses can enjoy reliable connectivity.
However, this is only the beginning. As St. Maarten continues its digital transformation, collaboration between government authorities, private companies, and consumers will be essential to ensure sustainable growth in the connectivity sector.
Starlink’s arrival is not just about faster internet—it’s about opening new economic opportunities, improving quality of life, and putting St. Maarten on the map as a forward-thinking, tech-driven nation. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor, the future of connectivity in St. Maarten looks brighter than ever.