Updated 25th October 2024
Sure Falkland Islands’ Intelsat satellite dishes in Stanley
With the Sure Falkland Islands Exclusive Telecommunications Agreement ending on December 29th 2027, the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) document in June 2024 entitled: “Invitation to Tender for the Provision of Telecommunications Consultancy Services”. The closing date was the 30th of July 2024.
“This tender seeks a telecommunications consultancy to lead work on engaging with all users on future needs, providing advice to FIG on its options and possible routes for future provision, and supporting international market engagement for replacement of the existing arrangements.”
Many responses were received for the ITT, and a subset was chosen for an oral interview in September 2024. After due consideration by the team at FIG’s Development and Commercial Services department, Cambridge Management Consulting were selected.
FIG’s press release announcing the selection can be seen below.
An interview with Brian Jamieson, MLA Roger Spink and Chris Gare followed the final Starlink Select Committee and views about selecting Cambridge MC as the telecommunications consultancy. Many thanks to Falkland Islands TV for permission to publish this interview.
September 18th FIG press release concerning Cambridge Management Consultant’s visit to the islands:
Telecomms Consultants first visit
FOLLOWING the announcement on October 8 that the Falklands Government has appointed Cambridge MC as telecommunications consultants, members of the project team will be making a three-week initial visit to the Falklands, arriving on October 21.
A press release from FIG on Thursday announced the purpose of the visit is to facilitate the first phase of the project: a full legal, regulatory and technical review of current telecommunications provision. It said the review will, “provide a baseline of understanding of capabilities, needs and appropriateness of the current arrangements across all telecommunications, including services such as fixed and mobile telephones, VHF and emergency radio, television and radio broadcasting, and of course broadband. “It will include recommendations on how FIG might proceed with the second phase; engagement with international markets on provision of telecommunications after the end of the current exclusive licence.”
Cambridge MC have also been instructed to support delivery of the Select Committee recommendations on VSAT licensing, and this will form part of the scope of their discussions during this visit. Consultants will meet MLAs, FIG officers, Government House, Sure, BFSAI, the Technology Development Group, the Chamber of Commerce, FIDC, FITA, FIFCA, FIPLA and visits to camp will be arranged.
A further visit is planned for early 2025. There will also be opportunities to submit feedback via online means, which will be advertised.
PUBLIC STATEMENT22 October 2024
Telecommunications Consultancy visits to Camp
Cambridge MC have commenced their first official visit to the Falkland Islands to engage with both the community and the Falkland Islands Government on the future of telecommunications across the Islands.On Saturday 26 October, the team will be visiting San Carlos and Goose Green.
Next week Steve Dent, Deputy Director Development and Commercial Services, and Erling Aronsveen, Lead Consultant for Cambridge MC, will conduct consultations on the West Falklands to engage with local residents.
These sessions will provide an opportunity for Camp residents and businesses to participate in discussion regarding the project, allowing for early input.
Goose Green.A drop-in session will be held on Saturday 26 October from 1.30pm until 3pm in the newly re-opened Woolpack Café, for all interested parties.Fox BayAn open meeting will be held in the Southern Cross Social Club, Fox Bay on Tuesday 29 October from 6.00 pm.Prior to the meeting and depending on FIGAS flight times, Erling will be available in the Village Agent’s Office for informal consultations. Erling will also be available for informal consultations in the Village Agent’s Office the morning of 30 October from 8am until 10am.
Port HowardAn open meeting will be held in the Port Howard Club on Wednesday 30 October from 6pm.
Erling will be available at the Maria Hotel for informal consultations on the morning of the 31 October until he departs on FIGAS, times to be confirmed.Jack Ford, Deputy portfolio holder for Development and Commercial Services, and Camp MLA, said “We are committed to the universal service obligation, ensuring the same minimum standard of telecommunications across the Falkland Islands. The unique requirements of this are a priority for the first visit of our consultants, to gain a better understanding of both the people and geography of Camp. I hope that all who are able will engage, either during this visit or during the rest of the project.”
25th October 2024 Penguin News. (Source: Penguin News)
Sure Falkland Islands’ OneWeb LEO antennas.
Chris Gare, OpenFalklands October 2024, copyright OpenFalklands
