Attentive readers may have noted seemingly contradictory statements attributed to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten on pages 3 and 4 of Tuesday’s newspaper. She – respectively – said government wants to help financially-troubled TelEm and the Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP) is finalising negotiations with satellite-based Internet provider Starlink on a concession to legally operate in St. Maarten.
The perceived contradiction lies in the fact that due to the advent of so-called Voice Over Internet Protocols (VOIP), TelEm – like other traditional phone companies all over the world – was forced to drastically adjust its business model, relying on data traffic rather than regular calls for earnings. Starlink is obviously a potential competitor on that market.
Does – so to speak – letting them in rhyme with the assurance that government remains focussed on ensuring the continued operation of TelEm? On the other hand, should Starlink be kept out of the Dutch side, if even possible?
The minister highlighted a need for reliable Internet especially for tourists and schools. “We can’t stop it,” she added, referring to a free market.
Mind you, TelEm has strengths including a fibre-optic underground network on a hurricane-prone island, a fairly loyal customer-base and the rollout of its 5G technology expected later this year. Restoring the main dedicated fibre-optic sea cable connection with Puerto Rico SMPR1 to save lease expenses was mentioned.
The company also has government as shareholder. However, any financial assistance under consideration must be based on a solid plan to somehow make it future-proof.
