Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has declared that Starlink, a satellite internet network established by Elon Musk, is pursuing a license to function in Guyana.
Starlink is managed by Starlink Services, LLC, an international telecommunications firm that is entirely owned by American aerospace corporation SpaceX, offering services to more than 100 countries and regions. It also strives to deliver global mobile broadband. Starlink has played a significant role in SpaceX’s expansion.
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During his weekly press briefing on Thursday, the VP stated to reporters that the Government is “actively” considering Starlink’s request.
He elaborated that if the license is granted, it would require the company to pay taxes to the Government.
He indicated that currently, private individuals are importing Starlink equipment and supplying internet services to parts of the local populace.
“Right now, a lot of people are just bringing in the dish themselves, and they’re installing these dishes, and then they don’t have to pay any taxes. It’s a bit unfair to the other companies that are providing the same service,” he clarified.
Jagdeo mentioned the broader digital transformation occurring in Guyana and noted that this was one of the key subjects discussed between President Ifraan Ali and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, in July.
