Minister Setiadi Guarantees Starlink to Not Bother Local Internet Business
- Situs Starlink
Jakarta – Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi guarantees that the satellite-based internet service provider, Starlink to not bother the ecosystem of local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that have been operating in Indonesia.
Minister Setiadi said that Starlink's service coverage to reach more areas that have faced geographical challenges and have been untouched by local ISPs due to its satellite-based technology, namely low earth orbit (LEO).
"Don't worry. The price won't compete with those in Indonesia. It's more suitable for the 3T (outermost, frontier, and lagging) areas. Not in urban areas. The price won't be competitive in cities," the Minister said in a statement on Tuesday.
Menkominfo Budi Arie Setiadi.
- VIVA/Arianti Widya
Therefore, Minsiter Setiadi asked local ISPs not to worry and to continue providing services to the public as usual, even though Starlink can now operate in Indonesia.
As for Starlink's licensing status, it has already obtained Operational Feasibility Test (ULO) approval, which means Elon Musk's company has permission to operate as a telecommunications provider in Indonesia.
Moreover, Minister Setiadi remarked that in the future, Starlink plans to conduct network trials in the IKN Nusantara in mid-May 2024.
However, the minister ensures that Starlink will be fully operational in Indonesia later this year.
"We want to improve internet speed, but we also focus on equal distribution. Because, many areas (3T) at the edges are difficult to reach with the internet," he concluded.
