Businesses and communities across Papua New Guinea could gain greater access to satellite internet services backed by local customer support, installation teams and kina-based billing following Remington Group’s appointment as an official Starlink Enterprise reseller in the country.
Remington Group Chief Executive Officer Justin Kieseker announced the appointment on Wednesday, 30 September, saying the company would focus on providing customers with direct, in-country support as it expands Starlink services through its nationwide network of 11 branches.
Kieseker said Remington’s key point of difference would be its ability to provide local billing, technical assistance, installation, warranty support and customer service rather than leaving customers to rely solely on overseas online support channels.
“We have an in-country call centre. If a customer has a problem, they can actually pick the phone up and speak to somebody here,” Kieseker said. “If there is a problem with the product, we will replace it under warranty.”
The appointment makes Remington one of the companies authorised to provide Starlink Enterprise services in PNG and forms part of the group’s broader expansion into communications and technology solutions.
Kieseker said Remington had been working on the Starlink offering for about six months before announcing it to the market, with the company deliberately building its stock, technical capacity and support network before launching.
Local support for businesses and customers
A major component of Remington’s Starlink offering will be the ability for customers to deal directly with the company in PNG.
Under the Enterprise Reseller model, Remington will have direct access to SpaceX’s billing portal, allowing customers to be billed locally in kina.
Kieseker said this would be particularly important for customers outside Port Moresby who may not have access to international credit cards, Visa debit cards or online payment gateways.
Customers will be able to purchase Starlink equipment through Remington and make payments locally, including through its branch network. Businesses can also apply for approved 30-day accounts, while other customers can pay in advance.
The company will provide technical installation and support services, with technical resources available across its branch network.
“We have technicians that can actually install as well,” Kieseker said.
Remington said its nationwide presence would allow customers in provincial centres to access assistance without having to depend on technicians based in Port Moresby.
The company’s 11 branches will hold Starlink stock ready for installation, supported by dedicated technical capability in each location. Remington will also stock genuine Starlink accessories, allowing customers to equip and expand their systems without waiting for equipment to be shipped from the capital.
Same price across PNG
Remington is also positioning uniform national pricing as a key part of its Starlink offering. Kieseker said the Starlink X4 business terminal would be sold for K1,690 including GST, regardless of where the customer is located in PNG.
“It does not matter if you are in Moresby, Wewak, Kavieng, same price fits all,” he said.
The company said customers in locations such as Buka, Wewak, Kavieng and Mt Hagen would not be charged additional margins simply because of their location.
The nationwide pricing model is supported by Remington’s existing distribution network, which already services its photocopier and office technology customers throughout the country.
Customers will also avoid foreign currency conversions, offshore deductions and unexpected billing charges under the local billing model.
Integrated ICT solutions
Remington intends to integrate Starlink with its existing ICT capabilities. The company said businesses operating across multiple provinces could have several Starlink terminals managed under one contract, with data pooled between locations.
For example, a company with branches in Kavieng and Lae could potentially share its data capacity, allowing unused capacity at one location to be utilised at another.
Kieseker said this could provide an economic benefit for businesses with multiple locations.
Remington’s ICT business also operates MaxiNet, providing point-to-point internet services, meaning Starlink can be used either as a primary connection or as a backup and redundancy solution.
The company can also support customers requiring SD-WAN, public IP addresses, network integration and other ICT services.
Remington said its expert team could design tailored ICT solutions, including SD-WAN, multi-branch data pooling and complete IT integration, allowing multi-site businesses to manage their networks through a single end-to-end partner.
Local warranty and after-sales service
Warranty support is another area Remington identified as a key difference in its offering.
Kieseker said standard Starlink equipment, including Starlink Mini and X4 terminals, comes with a 12-month warranty, while professional equipment carries a longer five-year warranty.
Under Remington’s model, warranty support will be handled locally.
Customers who experience faults or service issues will have access to a local contact centre and technical personnel, while Remington’s 24/7 Network Operations Centre will support installations and ongoing service.
Customers who have previously purchased Starlink terminals from overseas or other suppliers may also be able to transfer their terminal to Remington, subject to the terminal being eligible and the existing account having no outstanding obligations.
Remington said local warranty replacement services would mean hardware issues could be handled without sending equipment or customers offshore.
“That’s what keeping business in-country actually looks like,” Kieseker said.
Expanding connectivity into remote areas
Kieseker said Starlink could play an important role in expanding internet access beyond areas covered by traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
Unlike conventional networks that depend on towers, fibre networks and other fixed infrastructure, Starlink relies primarily on access to power and a clear connection to the satellite network.
The company is therefore exploring battery and solar-powered solutions to make Starlink more practical for remote locations.
Remington said battery systems capable of providing several hours of continuous operation, combined with solar panels, could potentially provide internet access in communities without reliable grid electricity.
The company also sees opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish community-based internet services using a single Starlink connection. Kieseker said a business or community operator could potentially connect multiple devices wirelessly to a Starlink terminal and provide internet access locally.
The technology could support a range of sectors where reliable connectivity is increasingly important, including healthcare, education, government services, mining, business and rural communities.
The company is already supplying Starlink equipment to customers operating in remote locations, including a mine site, demonstrating the potential demand for satellite connectivity outside major urban centres.
Kieseker said the company’s objective was to make connectivity an enabler for economic activity rather than simply another telecommunications product.
Remington plans Pacific expansion
The Starlink rollout is also expected to support Remington’s wider expansion into the Pacific.
Kieseker said Remington plans to establish an office in Solomon Islands in November this year, with Starlink expected to become part of its technology offering as the company expands.
The group currently has Remington Hi-Tech retail operations in several PNG locations and plans to extend its retail presence into additional areas, including the New Guinea Islands.
Kieseker said the company viewed Starlink as part of a longer-term communications strategy that could eventually include emerging satellite-to-mobile technology.
For now, Remington’s immediate focus is on making Starlink equipment and services more accessible through local stock, local pricing and local technical support.
“We want to give customers flexibility and opportunity,” Kieseker said. “We want to drive that change and make it easier for the customer.”
