DESPITE the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago's (TATT) statement that there is no third provider, Digicel, a licensed telecommunications provider, is offering support to Star Network to legally provide reliable connectivity.

The move comes after TSTT lodged a formal complaint to TATT over Star Network’s ability to operate as a telecommunications service provider without an application or concession.

Star Network has since denied being a mobile virtual network operator and accused TSTT of misleading the public.

Nevertheless, Digicel has expressed its willingness to provide reliable connectivity to anyone who wants to use Star Network’s services lawfully.

Even as TSTT raised an alarm to Star Network’s operations following its failed launch on Friday morning, Digicel revealed it was in active discussions to work with the new entity.

Commenting on the matter on Friday night, Digicel said, “As a licensed provider, we welcome anyone who wants to use Digicel's services to lawfully provide reliable connectivity, and we are in ongoing discussions with Star Network to support their needs in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Contacted for a response on Digicel’s position, TATT’s CEO Cynthia Reddock-Downes had no further comment on the matter.

As early as 6 am on Friday, many – including children in uniform – gathered for the advertised $1 smart phone and laptop limited deal at its Invaders Bay Towers, Port of Spain office for the official launch of Star Network’s Blue Mobile Network.

In a notice, the company said the offer was exclusively available to those who had subscribed with the network – starting with parents and students.

But before the event could start, it was cancelled.

When Newsday visited, one official claimed the launch had to be cancelled because of the overwhelming response, and a second launch at a bigger venue was being arranged.

But Newsday was told by management of the building that no approval was granted for such an event.

The building management official did not want to confirm if Star Network’s office was based inside the building.

Members of the Cyber Crime Unit also visited the site.

No one was allowed in the building so subscribers and potential customers were made to wait in the sun.

[caption id="attachment_1020409" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Disappointed consumers including schoolchildren leave Invaders Bay Tower, Mucurapo, Port of Spain, on Friday after the cancellation of the launch of Star Network's Blue Mobile Network on Friday morning. - Anisto Alves[/caption]

Just after 11 am, many left disappointed and others accused the company of false advertising and fraud.

It also seemed as though many people mistakenly linked Star Network’s operations with billionaire businessman and CEO of Twitter Elon Musk network, Starlink’s, recent announcement of a ten-year concession from TATT to provide satellite broadband service in the second quarter of 2023.

In a Facebook video, hours after the failed launch, Star Network accused