Star Network launch event scrapped amidst overcrowding and misinformation

Details: James Barton; Category: Operators; 13 June 2023; 7569 views

Trinidadian distributor and manufacturer Star Network abandoned a launch event aimed at promoting a new partnership with Digicel amidst public safety concerns that arose due to overcrowding.

Hundreds of members of the public turned up to the launch on Friday 9^th June at Invaders Bay Tower in Mucurapo, Port of Spain, hoping to purchase smartphones or laptops for just TTD1 (US$0.14) as part of a promotional offer.

While some were successful, the event was cancelled at the last minute as reported by TeleGeography. Star Network has issued a statement that the event was scrapped due to “the building management citing safety concerns and disturbances to other tenants.”

The launch was marred by confusion; Digicel’s involvement was not immediately apparent from local reporting, with some outlets inaccurately claiming that Star Network was a new operator or MVNO rather than a distribution partner offering devices for use on Digicel’s network.

In addition, some launch attendees appeared to have confused the company with SpaceX unit Starlink, which last week did receive a 10-year operating licence in Trinidad and Tobago. This misinformation prompted the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) to issue a statement confirming that Star Network did not hold a telecoms concession.

In its statement, TATT said: “There is no new mobile network in the country. [Any] potential operator wishing to operate a public telecommunications network, must apply for, be approved, and be granted a concession to operate a network. No application has been made nor a concession granted to any potential ‘new’ operator that was scheduled to launch today [Friday].”

The confusion appears to have originated from a letter to TATT from incumbent provider TSTT (Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago) claiming that since Star Network did not hold a telecoms licence, it must be either attempting to circumvent the Telecommunications Act or even flat-out committing fraud “in an attempt to extract money [from an] unsuspecting public.”

Hours after the cancelled launch, Star Network accused TSTT of attempting to “misconstrue information to the public by indicating we are a mobile virtual network operator” in a social media post, as reported by local outlet Newsday. The company has stated that it never applied for a telecom concession nor intended to hold one.

Days after the launch event, Digicel issued a statement in support of Star Network saying: “As a licensed provider, we welcome anyone who wants to use Digicel’s services to lawfully provide reliable connectivity, and we are in ongoing discussions with Star Network to support their needs in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.”