Starlink’s growing Pacific problem

Is artificial intelligence going to work in South Pacific, or another danger?

Starlink and its low earth orbit or LEO operators are, their older technology rivals claim,  a threat to the sovereignty and security of Pacific nations.

That is the alarming view of Fiji’s Amalgamated Telecommunications Holdings (ATH), operators of Vodafone franchises around the Pacific. Some of the book keeping even shows the impact, with revenues seeping out, flowing towards Elon Musk’s Starlink.

Ensuring that Pacific communities retain ownership over their data and knowledge is critical for AI to respect cultural integrity.’ more below…

In April last year, I reported on Musk’s regional arrival, saying Pacific governments may be obliged to protect their cable investments over the superior offerings of outsiders they have no control over. In January this year, Sāmoan authorities briefly banned Starlink saying it was a risk to public safety, national security and the integrity of the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.