Remington Group has entered Papua New Guinea’s Starlink market as an Enterprise reseller, offering customers local billing, installation, technical support and warranty services.

Remington Group CEO Justin Kieseker says the Enterprise arrangement gives Remington direct access to SpaceX’s billing portal, allowing it to manage customer accounts from PNG.

He says this means customers will be able to pay for their Starlink services locally in kina, rather than relying on international payment gateways or credit cards.

“We bill in country, in kina. It’s a direct relationship between us and the customer,” Kieseker said.

Customers will be able to make prepaid payments through Remington branches, while eligible business customers can also be offered 30-day accounts subject to credit requirements.

Kieseker says Remington will stock Starlink terminals locally and have technical staff available to install and support the equipment.

He says the X4 business terminal will be sold at the same price across the country.

“Our price will be the same countrywide,” Kieseker said.

The terminal will be sold for K1,690 including GST, according to Remington.

Kieseker says customers in provincial centres should not have to pay more simply because they live outside Port Moresby.

“The guys in Buka shouldn’t be penalised because they’re in Buka,” he said.

Remington Group Chief Information Officer Asanka Dias says local customer support will be one of the key differences between Remington and other Starlink suppliers operating in PNG.

Dias says customers who purchase equipment through other suppliers may have to rely on Starlink’s online support system and overseas warranty processes.

He says Remington will instead provide assistance locally.

“If you give a call or if you log a ticket, someone from Port Moresby will be walking to your house or your office,” Dias said.

Dias says customers will have a local contact for problems involving their Starlink service, including data plans, connectivity and internet speeds.

He says Remington intends to provide support around the clock throughout the year.

Kieseker says Remington will also provide local warranty assistance for Starlink equipment.

Standard Starlink kits carry a 12-month warranty, while the professional kit has a five-year warranty, according to Kieseker.

Dias says Remington can also assist existing Starlink customers who purchased their equipment from overseas or another local supplier.

He says eligible terminals can be mapped to Remington, allowing the business to provide local customer service and monitor the devices.

Remington says its support team will also be able to provide customers with usage and performance reports to help them manage their services.

Kieseker says the Starlink service will be available through Remington’s technology and retail operations, with further expansion planned across PNG.

He says the business is also preparing to take the Starlink offering into Solomon Islands as part of its wider Pacific expansion.

Kieseker says the focus is on making Starlink more accessible by combining the product with local sales, technical expertise and after-sales support.