The satellite internet provider, Starlink has mandated that users with New Zealand-based Starlink accounts must switch to Cook Islands Starlink accounts, a change expected to impact connectivity and lower subscription costs for residents.

Local Starlink agent Te Tuhi Kelly, leader of the Progressive Party, shared insights on the situation after an exchange with Starlink support, revealing the complexities Cook Islands residents will soon face as they transition to the new service structure.

Kelly contacted Starlink for clarification of the use of the Roam Unlimited plan in the Cook Islands. He received confirmation that New Zealand-registered Starlink kits used in the Cook Islands would need to be cancelled and reactivated under a Cook Islands address.

Cook Islands News obtained the email exchange between Kelly and Starlink support which explains that when switching the Starlink kit to another country, users would have to cancel their service and transfer the kit as if starting a new account with the new country address.

"Keep in mind that Starlink kits are certified per country, and you must comply with local requirements," Starlink support stated.

Adding to the restrictions, users on the Roam Unlimited plan can only use the service for up to two months in a different country within a calendar year, after which Starlink may require them to update their address or return to their registered country.

"A week here, a week there adding up to 8 weeks... who in their right mind can remember all this," Kelly said, calling the policy "unwieldy."

Kelly also confirmed that users on the older Mobile Regional Roaming (MRR) service plan, which officially ended on October 10, 2024, have a grace period until December 10 to switch to the new Cook Islands Residential Plan or Roam Unlimited.

Failure to comply could lead to service disruptions or, in some cases, users being forced to move their equipment back to the country where their accounts were initially registered. "SL [Starlink] may close you off or may force you to relocate your equipment back to country of origin," Kelly said, adding that these changes left him feeling “dizzy” with the requirements.

According to Kelly, the new structure includes the Cook Islands Residential Plan as the main option for residents, costing $59 per month for the Residential Lite service.

Users wanting additional roaming options will have to pay $236 monthly for the Roam Unlimited plan.

“There is no choice in the matter unless you can somehow hack the geolocation from NZ to Pacific/Rarotonga to make the changes,” Kelly said describing the compulsory geolocation feature that limits internet activity based on geographic area.

This geographic restriction means that Starlink accounts registered to the Cook Islands will have access only to regional internet content, effectively geolocking users to Pacific/Rarotonga.

Access to New Zealand-based streaming sites will be blocked, and popular platforms like Netflix will be defaulted to U.S.-based content unless users employ a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

“Once geolocked to Pacific/Rarotonga your NZ streaming sites will no longer connect unless you can spoof the geolocation to NZ with a VPN,” Kelly said.

He added that VPNs could serve as a workaround to maintain access to desired content.

Despite the ongoing adjustments, Kelly pointed out that many residents still believe they’ll be able to keep their New Zealand-based accounts active beyond December 10, even though Starlink has started enforcing its new connectivity requirements globally, including in the Cook Islands.

This is a developing story....