Minister René Herdé has confirmed that Starlink representatives met with the government to discuss the company’s potential entry into Aruba’s telecommunications market. However, no decision has been made.
Herdé said the government is open to discussions with Starlink but must first assess Aruba’s interests and needs and compare the company’s services with those currently offered by SETAR.
“We have to look at what is in Aruba’s interest, what Aruba needs, and what Starlink offers beyond what SETAR is already providing,” the minister stated.
He added that the government still needs to consult with its advisers at DTZ to evaluate the proposal and determine the next steps. For now, it remains unclear whether or when Starlink could begin operating in Aruba.
The minister made these statements following a meeting with SETAR’s board of directors, supervisory board and management. During the meeting, they reviewed the company’s financial results for the current year and its budget for next year.
According to Herdé, SETAR is performing well financially and remains a solid company. He compared Aruba’s situation with that of Curaçao, noting that the telecommunications sector there faces different circumstances.
The government will consider the information provided by SETAR alongside Starlink’s proposal before deciding whether the company could offer an opportunity to expand Aruba’s telecommunications services.
