23 Aug 2024

Nauru signs up for Starlink Community Gateway service

5:21 pm on 23 August 2024
According to Starlink, Community Gateways allow Starlink's satellites to deliver fiber-like speeds with local providers distributing connectivity to homes, businesses, and governments using last-mile fiber, fixed wireless and mobile wireless.

According to Starlink, Community Gateways allow Starlink's satellites to deliver fiber-like speeds with local providers distributing connectivity to homes, businesses, and governments using last-mile fiber, fixed wireless and mobile wireless. Photo: Starlink

A Nauru state-owned entity, Cenpac Coorporation, has signed an agreement to provide Starlink Community Gateway service.

The service is the first to be rolled out in the Pacific, following the agreement signing between Cenpac and Starlink on 19 August, the Nauru government said in a statement.

Nauru customers will have the option to continue using their existing Starlink kits, or switch to the Community Gateway service.

Cenpac chairwoman Zikki Eoe said the service will further boost the already existing Starlink presence on island with reduced monthly payments.

According to [https://www.starlinkinternet.info/community-gateway Starlink, its Community Gateway service has an upfront cost of US$1.25 million and a monthly recurring cost of US$75,000.

"With Community Gateways, Starlink satellites are able to deliver fiber-like speeds with local providers distributing connectivity to homes, businesses, and governments using last-mile fiber, fixed wireless and mobile wireless.

Cenpac Chair Zikki Eoe and Director for Commercial Sales SpaceX Andrew Matlock, signing agreement officially establishing Starlink services in Nauru. 19 august 2024

Cenpac Chair Zikki Eoe and Director for Commercial Sales SpaceX Andrew Matlock, signing agreement officially establishing Starlink services in Nauru. 19 august 2024 Photo: Nauru Government

"The Community Gateway traffic transits through Starlink's global laser mesh network and utilises our high bandwidth Gateways operating in a dedicated Ka spectrum band," Stalink's webpage states.

Minister for Telecommunications, Shadlog Bernicke, said once the rollout is complete, it will be a new era for mobile communication for Nauru.

Land at Command Ridge for the installation of the equipment is set to be finalised by October, with the launch expected to take place in November.