DIGIVESTASI - The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo) said it will evaluate Elon Musk's Starlink satellite-based internet service that allows direct-to-cell connections for free. The service is in collaboration with T-Mobile and offers free emergency services worldwide.

The Ministry's Director of Telecommunications, Aju Widya Sari, explained that her office will call Starlink if it offers free internet in Indonesia to ensure that business competition is maintained. “We will evaluate. We will call Starlink to find out the reasons for implementing free direct-to-cell services in Indonesia, because business competition must be maintained,” said Aju when met at the Ngopi Bareng event at the Kemenkominfo Building, Jakarta, Friday (30/8/2024).

Aju emphasized that the operating mechanism of an internet service in Indonesia must be in accordance with market conditions, including in terms of promotion to the public. “The government will not intervene if there are providers who offer products in accordance with their marketing strategies,” he said. However, the Ministry will still conduct an annual evaluation of the performance and tariffs of internet services, including from Starlink, to avoid unfair competitive practices.

Aju also explained that if there are indications of unfair competition, such as internet service tariffs that are too low, Kemenkominfo will call the relevant organizers to improve their tariffs in order to maintain healthy market competition. “There is no government intervention in the market, but tariff evaluation will be carried out regularly, including setting tariff limits,” he explained.

In a Teslarati report on Friday (30/8/2024), Starlink is working with T-Mobile to launch free emergency services worldwide via Starlink direct-to-cell. The service is expected to launch in the fall of this year, and will provide Wireless Emergency Alerts to everyone, including non-T-Mobile customers, in areas that lack terrestrial coverage.

Elon Musk stated that this service could help people stranded in remote areas or in emergency situations. The service also requires approval from the local country government before it is implemented. GOP FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr emphasized that the Starlink direct-to-cell service will provide great benefits to public safety communications and first responders.