Liberty Latin America Partners with Starlink to Provide Emergency Connectivity in Jamaica

In a significant move to enhance emergency communication services following the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa, Liberty Latin America Ltd. has announced its collaboration with Starlink Direct to Cell. This partnership aims to deliver critical connectivity solutions to customers of FLOW Jamaica, ensuring access to essential services including data, SMS, and text communications via Starlink’s satellite network.

Aamir Hussain, Chief Technology and Product Officer of Liberty Latin America, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Working together with Starlink Direct to Cell, we are focused on bringing the latest technology to help our customers stay connected in a critical time of need.” He highlighted the innovative approach of merging terrestrial networks with satellite solutions to create a vital communication lifeline for individuals affected by the hurricane.

This initiative represents a pioneering effort in the Caribbean, marking the first collaboration between a traditional connectivity operator and a satellite communications provider. The goal is to deliver seamless connectivity directly to mobile customers, allowing them to communicate with family and friends even when local mobile network infrastructure is compromised.

Liberty Latin America's initiative is backed by the necessary approvals from the Spectrum Management Authority and the Ministry of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications. This regulatory endorsement allows the company to utilize specific spectrum frequencies in collaboration with Starlink Direct to Cell, ensuring that emergency connectivity services can be rapidly deployed to affected areas.

Liberty Latin America is a major player in the telecommunications industry, serving over 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean under various consumer brands including BTC, Flow, Liberty, and Más Móvil. The company provides an extensive range of services, from digital video and broadband internet to telephony and mobile solutions.

In addition to its consumer offerings, Liberty Latin America supplies enterprise-grade connectivity and managed solutions to a diverse clientele, including small and medium enterprises, international corporations, and governmental bodies. The company also operates a robust subsea and terrestrial fiber optic cable network that connects over 30 markets in the region.

Liberty Latin America is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market with multiple classes of shares: Class A shares under the symbol “LILA,” Class C shares under “LILAK,” and Class B shares on the OTC link under the symbol “LILAB.”

Starlink Direct to Cell boasts the world’s largest constellation of over 650 satellites in low-Earth orbit, designed to deliver data, voice, video, and messaging to devices located in mobile dead zones. With a customer base exceeding 7 million across five continents, Starlink’s satellite network functions similarly to a cell phone tower in space, utilizing advanced phased array antennas to provide network integration comparable to standard roaming partners.

As the largest provider of 4G coverage globally, Starlink collaborates with mobile network operators around the world to expand its reach and enhance connectivity for users everywhere.

The collaboration between Liberty Latin America and Starlink Direct to Cell is a timely response to the urgent need for reliable communication in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This innovative partnership not only highlights the resilience and adaptability of telecommunications providers in crisis situations but also underscores Liberty Latin America's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to serve its customers effectively. As the situation in Jamaica unfolds, this initiative will undoubtedly play a crucial role in restoring connectivity and supporting affected communities.