GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – 23 December 2025. The Utility Regulation and
Competition Office (URCO) has issued the first licence under its new satellite service
provider licensing framework to Starlink Cayman Islands Ltd.

This decision responds directly to feedback from the community. Residents, businesses,
and public agencies have called for greater choice, stronger connectivity, and more
resilient communications, particularly during emergencies and service disruptions. URCO
listened, consulted widely, and put in place a framework that makes this possible for the
first time in the Cayman Islands.

A First for the Cayman Islands
This is the first time satellite internet services are being formally licensed in the Cayman
Islands. The new framework creates a dedicated licence for satellite providers,
recognising that satellite services operate differently from traditional fixed or mobile
networks, while ensuring consumer protection, regulatory oversight, and accountability.

To support this, URCO also introduced a new licence category for certain private
connectivity services that are not traditional public internet services, allowing innovation
to develop in a controlled and transparent way.

The new framework is set out in URCO’s Final Determination on the Licensing of
Satellite-Based Telecommunication Service Providers.

Strengthening Connectivity and Resilience
Satellite services are not intended to replace existing networks, but to complement them.
They provide an additional layer of connectivity that can be especially valuable during
hurricanes, undersea cable outages, or other events that disrupt on-island infrastructure.

By adding satellite services to Cayman’s communications mix, the Islands are better
positioned to maintain critical communications when they matter most.

Listening to the Public and Industry
The framework was developed through a structured and legally required public
consultation process that included input from existing telecommunications providers,
satellite companies, government entities, and members of the public. URCO’s final
approach reflects that feedback and strikes a careful balance between encouraging
innovation, supporting competition, and safeguarding consumers.

First Licence Issued
Following the issuance of the licence, Starlink Cayman Islands confirmed its readiness
to make services fully available in the coming days, with Starlink CEO Elon Musk posting
on the social media platform X that “Starlink’s high-speed, low latency internet is now
available in the Cayman Islands!”

Sonji Myles, Interim Chief Executive Officer of URCO, stated: “The community has
been clear that it wants satellite services and more resilient connectivity, and the
framework and licence issuance are our response. This decision is about keeping the
Cayman Islands connected, competitive, and future-ready. By enabling satellite services
for the first time, we are expanding consumer choice, strengthening national resilience,
and aligning Cayman with leading jurisdictions embracing innovation without
compromising regulatory oversight..”

URCO will continue to monitor the rollout of satellite services and the effectiveness of the
licensing framework to ensure it remains fair, proportionate, and responsive to the needs
of the Cayman Islands.

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ABOUT URCO The Utility Regulation and Competition Office (‘URCO’ / ‘OfReg’, or the Office’) is the independent regulator established by section 4 of the Utility Regulation and
Competition Law (as revised) (the ‘URC Law’) for the electricity, information, and
communications technology, water, wastewater and fuel sectors in the Cayman Islands.
URCO provides the opportunity for consistency and collaboration in regulation across the
ICT, energy, fuel, and water sectors; better utilisation of skills and resources resulting in
more efficient and effective regulatory processes; encouraging competition where
appropriate and feasible; championing sustainability and innovation across markets,
contributing to the economic and social goals of the Cayman Islands.