Tonga’s newly elected Prime Minister, Dr. ‘Aisake Eke, will also assume the role of Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). This leadership position brings with it an urgent challenge for PIF to address connectivity in the Pacific collectively. As demonstrated by the natural disasters in Tonga and Vanuatu, connectivity is just as important as climate change. Dr. ‘Aisake Eke has a unique opportunity to champion a regional initiative that unites Pacific nations in tackling this critical issue, ensuring it becomes a key agenda item for the next PIF meeting.

As 2025 begins, the Pacific region continues to face significant challenges from natural disasters. Vanuatu and Tonga, two small island nations with vulnerable economies, have recently experienced crises highlighting the fragility of traditional connectivity infrastructure. In Vanuatu, a powerful earthquake caused widespread destruction, including severing its vital submarine fibre optic cable. Similarly, Tonga has suffered repeated internet outages linked to its submarine cable infrastructure, with an 80% probability of such incidents recurring in the future.

In these moments of crisis, Starlink has emerged as a lifesaving alternative, showcasing its ability to restore connectivity quickly and effectively. Using a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink provides fast, reliable internet access that bypasses traditional undersea cables. Families separated by disasters could reconnect, emergency services could coordinate rescue efforts, and communities could access essential services in real time. For Tonga and Vanuatu, Starlink’s technology has provided a resilient and adaptable solution that stands in stark contrast to the vulnerabilities of submarine cables.

The Case for Starlink

Starlink’s satellite-based internet is particularly well-suited to small island nations. By eliminating reliance on ground-based infrastructure, it ensures connectivity even in the most remote locations. Starlink’s Direct to Cell capability further enhances its appeal, allowing individuals to connect directly to satellites using standard mobile devices. This capability offers a practical solution for regions with sparse or unreliable terrestrial networks, providing seamless communication without the need for extensive infrastructure investment.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, Starlink can often provide high-speed internet at a fraction of the cost of maintaining and repairing submarine cables. The adaptability of its roaming satellites means that even during disasters, connectivity can be restored quickly, offering a reliable alternative to fragile cable systems.

Spacecoin: The Next Frontier?

While Starlink addresses the immediate need for resilient connectivity, emerging technologies like Spacecoin aim to go a step further. By integrating blockchain technology with satellite connectivity, Spacecoin envisions a decentralized network that is not only resilient but also resistant to censorship and centralized control. Its blockchain governance model allows for transparency and community-driven management, ensuring that no single entity holds disproportionate power over the network.

Spacecoin’s approach also tackles the “last mile” problem by enabling peer-to-peer connectivity, removing the need for traditional telecommunications intermediaries entirely. For small economies, this could translate to lower costs and increased autonomy, allowing communities to build localized networks that are less dependent on external entities.

Comparing the Options

1. Resilience:

• Starlink: Proven track record in crisis situations, offering reliable and rapid restoration of internet connectivity during disasters.
• Spacecoin: Promises an even more decentralized and resilient network, though it remains in the development phase and lacks Starlink’s immediate deployment capabilities.

2. Cost and Accessibility:

• Starlink: Its competitive pricing and scalable infrastructure make it accessible to small economies. The Direct Cell feature reduces the need for additional hardware.
• Spacecoin: Potentially lowers costs in the long term by eliminating intermediaries, but initial implementation and technology adoption could be barriers.

3. Decentralization and Governance:

• Starlink: While it decentralizes physical infrastructure, the network remains under centralized corporate control.
• Spacecoin: Offers a blockchain-powered governance model, ensuring transparency and community-driven control, ideal for fostering local autonomy.

4. Practicality for Small Economies:

• Starlink: Ready for immediate use, with demonstrated success in real-world scenarios in Tonga and Vanuatu.
• Spacecoin: This represents a visionary approach with long-term benefits but requires further development and testing before it can be deployed at scale.