WILLEMSTAD – The Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC) has issued a clarification regarding the concession application submitted by Starlink, stressing that no final decision has been made and that the satellite internet provider has not yet been authorized to offer commercial services on the island.
The statement follows recent public discussion and media reports suggesting that Starlink's entry into the Curaçao market may be imminent. According to RAC, those reports have created confusion about the status of the application process.
RAC emphasized that any advice it may provide to the responsible minister should not be interpreted as a final approval or as permission for Starlink to begin commercial operations.
"The formal decision-making process is still ongoing," the regulator stated, adding that no concession has been granted to Starlink at this stage.
The clarification serves as a follow-up to recent reports about Starlink's efforts to enter the Curaçao telecommunications market. While RAC confirmed that the application is currently in an advanced stage of evaluation, it stressed that several important steps remain before any final authorization can be issued.
According to the regulator, every concession request must undergo a thorough and independent review within the existing legal and regulatory framework. The assessment includes technical, legal, operational, and national-interest considerations.
RAC noted that it recognizes the strong public interest in new forms of internet connectivity and innovative telecommunications services. The authority said it remains open to technological developments that could strengthen Curaçao's digital infrastructure, improve connectivity, increase resilience, and support economic growth.
At the same time, RAC cautioned that public enthusiasm should not be mistaken for regulatory approval.
The authority specifically warned consumers and businesses that the purchase of Starlink equipment or the use of Starlink services before the completion of the concession process does not mean the service is officially authorized in Curaçao.
"In other words, until a concession is granted, commercial service cannot be provided," RAC stated.
The regulator also sought to clarify speculation that a decision could automatically be expected by June 2026. RAC said that even if an advisory opinion is submitted to the minister, that would represent only one stage in a broader decision-making process and should not be viewed as a guarantee that a concession will be approved.
The authority reiterated that it is committed to conducting the evaluation with transparency, caution, and with the interests of Curaçao as its primary consideration.
For now, residents and businesses interested in Starlink will have to wait until the regulatory process is completed. RAC said additional information will be released when the process reaches a stage where further public communication is appropriate.
The statement makes clear that while Starlink's application remains under active consideration, the company has not yet received the regulatory approval necessary to officially offer commercial satellite internet services in Curaçao.