As part of its commitment to sustainable economic development, St Helena Government recognises that effective communications infrastructure is a cornerstone of the island’s economic growth.
St Helena offers a unique value proposition for hosting satellite ground stations, trialling new technologies and a secure location for the landing of transatlantic submarine cable systems. Key advantages include:
- Political Stability: A secure and well-governed environment ensures long-term operational reliability.
- Spectrum availability: With a small population St Helena and low urbanisation St Helena has fewer pressures on its spectrum resources.
- Minimal Disaster Risk: With a low likelihood of natural or manmade disasters, St Helena provides an exceptionally safe location for critical infrastructure.
- Legal Certainty: A stable legal framework based on UK law supports investment confidence and operational clarity.
- Strategic Location: Positioned between Africa and South America, the island offers a geographically advantageous site for global connectivity.
The introduction of a high-speed fibre optic cable was a pivotal moment for St Helena’s digital future. This transformative infrastructure opens the door to advanced technological opportunities, enabling:
- Enhanced support for satellite communication systems.
- Improved internet connectivity, fostering growth in digital services and e-commerce.
- Strengthened ties to global markets, making the island a competitive player in the digital economy.
By leveraging these advantages, St Helena aims to become a strategic destination for digital investment and innovation, while ensuring that technological progress aligns with its sustainable development goals.
For more information, contact Head of Communications Policy, Regulation and Compliance, Susannah Nightingale at susannah.nightingale@shg.gov.sh
Developing the regulatory framework for electronic communications
Regulatory certainty is key to encouraging investment. In 2020 St Helena Government widely consulted on and approved a Policy for Electronic Communications Networks and Services. This policy set the principles for a new legal and regulatory framework. An appropriate legal framework will ensure that the benefits brought by submarine cable connectivity reach all residents and businesses while supporting economic development. A work programme to enact new communications legislation, and repealing the 1989 Telecommunications Ordinance is underway, with the intention for the Communications Ordinance 2025 to be approved by Legislative Council during 2025.
Satellite Ground Stations on St Helena
On Wednesday 28 June 2023, Minister for Treasury, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, Mark Brooks, announced the signing of a lease between SHG and OneWeb. The lease allowed OneWeb to develop an earth station at Horse Point, in the area designated for St Helena’s Space Park. Since the singing of the lease OneWeb has been working their local agent, Sure South Atlantic, to develop and build the earth station.