SpaceX just announced the launch of Starlink’s internet services in Haiti. The launch represents the 55th country that Starlink is now available in.
Back in late November 2022, SpaceX received a license to operate in the country using the Ku-band. The approval was confirmed by the investment firm Resscop & Delaporte, which apparently brokered the deal between SpaceX and the Haitian government.
“Around the globe, Starlink has enabled communities in need to gain access to education, and health services, enable remote work, and provide critical communication support during natural disasters. With Starlink, rural and remote classrooms can reap the same educational benefits as those in urban areas,” the investment firm said back then.
A few months prior, in July, Haiti’s National Council of Telecommunications (Conseil National des Telecommunications, Conatel) authorized SpaceX to commence a two-year pilot program in Haiti.
Meanwhile, Haiti is one of many other Caribbean nations that is now served by Starlink. It was previously launched in neighboring islands like Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and US state Puerto Rico. You can check those out on Starlink’s availability map.
Starlink will cost $50 per month, on top of one-time hardware fees equaling $523 ($500 for the hardware and $23 for shipping and handling).
It should also represent a vast improvement over existing services. A Haitian user on Reddit mentioned that he’s currently paying $60 per month for 2 Mbps of download speed. Not only is Starlink cheaper but will likely be substantially faster (the company promises up to 100 Mbps within its check out form).
Lastly, faster internet will also boost economic development in the country by not only allowing more people to access the internet but boosting performance of existing businesses.