Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.
By Steven Williams
In the past decade, ‘business resilience’ has evolved from a buzzword to a critical mantra, gaining significant attention and traction. This shift is largely driven by the escalating impact of climate change, which poses substantial challenges to humanity’s ability to sustain and grow in an ever-changing environment. We have all witnessed the weather associated with the seasons becoming more intense. For the Caribbean, this has meant more frequent tropical storms, and in a few cases, even severe weather at the beginning of the hurricane season.
During devastating natural events, telecom providers will note a significant surge in digital traffic, extending from before to well after these incidents. This increase is primarily due to social media’s role as the main source of information and event monitoring. Importantly, these platforms become essential for individuals to communicate their safety to loved ones post-event.
However, this scenario assumes the continued viability of our ‘fibre optics to premises’ infrastructure. Given that much of our fibre optics is mounted on electric poles, there’s a real risk that both electricity and telecom capabilities could be compromised during such events. This would leave Barbadians reliant solely on the cellular network, which, even under normal conditions, can be less than optimal for handling such a data deluge. In this context, a robust fallback solution is Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite network.
I’ve been using it for some months now, and I can attest that it’s an excellent backup to my current broadband connection, particularly valuable for events and situations where traditional broadband isn’t accessible.
One of the standout features of the new satellite internet technology is its reduced latency, meaning it is more responsive when processing a request for a website. This lower latency, achieved by positioning satellites closer to Earth, is a significant improvement over traditional satellite internet service, which was slow and more susceptible to interruptions and delays due to greater distances and less sophisticated technology.
This development is crucial for businesses, as it enables smoother video conferencing from almost anywhere and faster data transfer, both essential in our rapidly evolving digital world. Furthermore, the technology’s ease of deployment makes the setup process so intuitive that even a child could manage it. Its design focuses on user-friendliness, requiring minimal equipment and a straightforward process. This makes it a practical and accessible internet solution for businesses of all sizes. Such simplicity ensures that even smaller enterprises can take advantage of reliable, high-speed internet connectivity.
But what exactly is Starlink, and why should businesses in Barbados and the wider Caribbean consider investing in it?
Starlink, a brainchild of SpaceX, is a revolutionary satellite internet system designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally. This is particularly significant in the Caribbean, where traditional internet infrastructure can be vulnerable to the region’s frequent and sometimes devastating hurricanes.
For Barbadian businesses and those in the Caribbean, Starlink offers several key benefits:
• Hurricane resilience: Our region faces unique challenges due to hurricanes, which can disrupt or destroy ground-based internet infrastructure. Starlink, with its satellite-based system, offers a resilient alternative that remains operational even when traditional systems fail.
• Connectivity in remote areas: Many areas in Barbados and the Caribbean struggle with inconsistent internet access. Starlink’s wide coverage ensures reliable internet connectivity even in the most remote locations, essential for businesses spread across islands.
• Enhanced communication during emergencies: In the aftermath of a hurricane, communication is crucial. Starlink can provide a vital link for businesses to coordinate recovery efforts, reach out to employees, and maintain contact with customers.
• Quick deployment and scalability: The ease of setting up Starlink presents a significant advantage for businesses. It can be rapidly deployed as either a primary or backup internet source, ensuring minimal downtime and offering scalability as required. The only necessities are a portable generator, a laptop, and the Starlink device itself.
• Future-proofing business operations: As the Caribbean moves towards a more digital economy, having a reliable internet connection like Starlink is crucial. It not only supports current operational needs but also positions businesses to take advantage of future technological advancements.
When considering Starlink, especially for micro and small businesses, two key concerns arise. Firstly, the initial cost of $1 100, though offset by a competitive $110 monthly fee, may deter some due to the upfront expense. Secondly, in regions like the Caribbean with heavy cloud coverage, the operational reliability of the Starlink service can be an issue, potentially affecting critical operations and communication.
Nevertheless, it’s vital to see Starlink as a strategic investment for businesses in Barbados and the Caribbean. It ensures operational continuity, resilience during natural disasters, and connectivity in an area where traditional infrastructure faces unique challenges, aligning perfectly with the demands of today’s digital business landscape.
Steven Williams is the executive director of Sunisle Technology Solutions and the principal consultant at Data Privacy and Management Advisory Services. He is a former IT advisor to the Government’s Law Review Commission, focusing on the draft Cybercrime bill. He holds an MBA from the University of Durham and is certified as a chief information security officer by the EC Council and as a data protection officer by the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB). Steven can be reached at: Mobile: 246-233-0090 Email: steven@dataprivacy.bb
