APUA’s INET provided the primary telecommunications network for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, while Flow, Digicel and Starlink supplied backup support, Information Technology Minister Melford Nicholas says.

Speaking on Taking Stock on Pointe FM, Nicholas said Starlink’s prominent branding during the summit had led to a mistaken impression about its role.

“APUA was the primary network providing every one of those locations,” he said.

Nicholas said his ministry coordinated technology support across at least nine venues, providing connectivity and supporting security, surveillance, cybersecurity and accreditation operations.

The work involved personnel from his ministry, APUA, telecommunications companies, the airport authority, Customs and security agencies, he said.

Nicholas said Starlink, the newest telecommunications provider involved, had actively promoted its presence. Its branding, however, did not mean it had replaced the national carrier as the main network provider.

Flow and Digicel were also free to promote their involvement, he said, noting that both companies had supported previous major events.

Responding to commentary by Yves Ephraim, Nicholas said the respective roles of the providers could have been clarified by contacting him directly.

Nicholas also defended the government’s decision to license Starlink, saying satellite terminals were already being brought into Antigua and Barbuda aboard visiting vessels.

He said requiring the company to register locally brought its operations into the tax system and created an additional revenue stream.

Nicholas thanked the technical teams involved in the summit, saying they worked extended hours to ensure the infrastructure was ready and staff were available to respond quickly to problems.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: INET was primary CHOGM network, with Starlink providing backup, minister says.