The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has unexpectedly accelerated the adoption of Starlink satellite Internet services in Jamaica, potentially reshaping the nation’s connectivity landscape. Trevor Forrest, a cybersecurity consultant and former chairman of Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority (SMA), predicts that Starlink’s presence will persist long after the country recovers from the storm. The Category 5 hurricane left vast areas without power and traditional Internet services, prompting many Jamaicans to turn to Starlink devices and fuel-powered generators as temporary solutions. A special promotional offer providing free Starlink service has further introduced users to the benefits of satellite connectivity, raising questions about its long-term viability once users must pay for the service. Forrest believes that Starlink will complement rather than replace existing telecommunications providers like Digicel and Flow, filling gaps where traditional services fall short. He emphasized that Starlink’s convenience has been a game-changer, especially in rural areas, but acknowledged its limitations, including bandwidth constraints and potential security vulnerabilities. The Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT) has issued guidelines to ensure safe usage of Starlink systems, addressing concerns about data breaches. Forrest views the hurricane as a pivotal moment for Starlink, offering it a unique opportunity to establish itself in the Jamaican market. However, he cautions that its success will depend on practicality and user needs, drawing parallels to the adoption of solar energy, which often requires backup from traditional power sources during prolonged periods of low sunlight.