WILLEMSTAD – Qonèkt, formerly known as Aquatel*, has officially received its operating license from Telecommunications Minister Charles Cooper, marking the company's formal entry into Curaçao’s telecom sector. With the license now in hand, Qonèkt is fully authorized to begin commercial operations. 

Behind the scenes, the Qonèkt team has already been working diligently to establish a telecommunications company focused on innovation and fair pricing, with a firm commitment to offering the people of Curaçao reliable connectivity they can trust. 

“The launch of Qonèkt represents a significant transformation for our community,” said Minister Sithree van Heydoorn, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. “This new company will drive economic growth, create jobs, and ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.” 

The creation of Qonèkt by Integrated Utility Holding (IUH), the parent company of Aqualectra, is a logical step, given the utility provider’s existing robust fiber network. Aqualectra, Curaçao’s sole producer and distributor of electricity and water, will now leverage its infrastructure to expand IUH’s business portfolio into the telecom sector. 

Minister Cooper emphasized that two legislative changes are crucial for Qonèkt’s operations. “We need to update the Telecommunications Act to officially include Qonèkt. That amendment is nearly complete,” he explained. “The second law concerns number portability, which allows customers to switch providers without losing their phone numbers. This law is already in place, but some operational matters still need to be finalized.” 

The name “Qonèkt” was chosen to reflect the company’s mission of connecting Curaçao to the world and bringing families and friends closer together. Initial service rollouts will begin in newly developed neighborhoods such as Hofi Vidanova and Hofi St. Joris. Qonèkt’s network expansion will run parallel to Aqualectra’s infrastructure projects, including waterline repairs and upgrades to the electrical grid. Upcoming areas in the first phase include Brievengat, Piscadera, and Kurá Piedra. 

Neysa Isenia, CFO of both IUH and Qonèkt, stated that the company aims to transform the telecom industry with its offerings. “We will provide ultra-fast internet, an underground fiber network, and the most competitive prices Curaçao has ever seen,” she said. “We’re proud to lead this movement to make telecommunications services more accessible and efficient for the people of Curaçao.” 

The Qonèkt network is built on a solid foundation that includes underground fiber optics, ample system redundancy, and proactive maintenance to ensure maximum reliability. Customers can expect flexible products tailored to a wide range of needs.