In a groundbreaking initiative, Liberty Caribbean, the operator of Flow Jamaica and Liberty Business, has announced a strategic partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell to ensure emergency connectivity for its customers in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This collaboration, the first of its kind in Jamaica, leverages satellite technology to provide essential communication services when terrestrial networks are disrupted.
Hurricane Melissa has caused significant damage across Jamaica, and the ability to communicate in such critical times is paramount. Liberty Caribbean, in coordination with the Spectrum Management Authority and the Ministry of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications, will utilize Starlink’s satellite constellation to deliver SMS and text communications directly to mobile devices in affected areas.
Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating, ‘We understand that communication during a disaster can be a matter of life and death. Our FLOW Essential service will provide immediate basic connectivity to those in need.’ This service ensures that emergency services, businesses, and families can stay connected even when local infrastructure is compromised.
Liberty Caribbean, a subsidiary of Liberty Latin America, has a long-standing presence in the Caribbean, offering broadband, mobile, video, and voice services through its consumer brands Flow and BTC. Its B2B division, Liberty Business, provides enterprise-grade connectivity, cloud, security, and data center solutions, supporting economic growth in the digital era.
Starlink Direct to Cell, with its constellation of over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites, is the world’s largest provider of 4G coverage in mobile dead zones. This technology enables seamless communication via existing LTE phones, acting as a cell tower in space. Starlink’s advanced phased array antennas and laser-based network integration ensure global connectivity, making it an ideal partner for emergency response efforts.
This partnership underscores Liberty Caribbean’s commitment to the Caribbean region and its dedication to safeguarding Jamaicans, the economy, and the shared future. By integrating satellite redundancy into its mobile network, Liberty Caribbean and Starlink are setting a new standard for disaster resilience and connectivity.