Many rural and underserved areas in the Philippines lack access to stable Internet connections. Starlink’s satellite-based internet service can bridge this digital divide by providing reliable connectivity to these areas, enabling them to access educational resources, healthcare services, eCommerce platforms, and other online opportunities.
Investing in a Starlink Kit, which costs around P30,000 as of this writing plus a monthly subscription of less than P3,000 for residential users, enterprising individuals see the availability of the satellite Internet service in the Philippines this 2023 as an avenue for them to establish a Pisnonet business. But can one actually use Starlink for their Pisnonet business?
What is Pisonet?
Pisonet refers to an internet café-type or computer shop that provides paying customers computer services with connection to the World Wide Web (WWW) for a minimal fee in the Philippines (a play between “Piso” or Philippine Peso and “Net” for Internet) so that they can browse the internet, play online games, access social media, or simply do school or office work. These establishments are commonly found in urban areas and serve as convenient locations for people to get online and perform various tasks without having to invest in personal computer equipment or pay for a monthly internet subscription.
In recent times, Pisonet businesses have evolved to provide sachet WiFi access to those who wish to use their own Internet-enabled devices in places where telco signal is almost non-existent. Pisonet shops may also provide additional amenities such as printing services, snacks, and drinks — as some are originally neighborhood sari-sari stores that saw potential added revenue in offering Internet connectivity services.
Using Starlink for PisoNet Business?
When subscribing to Starlink, users are bound by the terms and conditions set forth by the service provider. These terms may include various provisions related to acceptable use, privacy, data protection, intellectual property, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Users must review and understand these terms before subscribing to Starlink (or any internet service for that matter).
Based on the published Starlink Terms of Service (as of 19 May 2023) under Section 2: Agreement to Purchase or Rent the Starlink Kit and Services, it states:
2.1 No Resale or Unauthorized Agency. You may not resell access to the Services to others as a stand-alone, integrated or value-added service under this Agreement (whether acting as an agent, introducer or in any other capacity), unless authorized by Starlink. See additional limitations in Section 10 of this Agreement. A violation of this Section may result in Service termination.
In simpler terms: you may not commercially share Starlink’s services if you intend at gaining profit from it. But of course, Filipinos can always find ways to work around these legal limitations.