Antigua Demands Starlink Pay Sales Tax

Starlink, the satellite internet service provider operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is under investigation by authorities in Antigua and Barbuda for failing to pay the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on its services.

The government has identified over 100 users of Starlink, yet the company has not reported or collected the 17% tax required of other telecommunications companies. Minister for Information, Melford Nicholas, told local news channels that while there are no plans to disrupt services, the government aims to ensure compliance with tax regulations. “We do know that there are over 100 people utilising Starlink at the moment,” said Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister.

“There was no discussion about disrupting the service. The focus was on collecting the taxes that are owed because all telecommunications companies must pay the ABST—17% on the value of the service they provide,” Hurst added.

Meanwhile, in Belize, Starlink’s application to provide nationwide broadband services was denied by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), limiting its operations to underserved areas, aircraft, and vessels during emergencies. Sheena Garnett, PUC’s Communication Manager, stated, “We are going to allow end users to operate their Starlink terminals at these fixed locations that are currently in these parts of the country where there is no service or underserved areas where existing internet providers are unable to provide that service.”

Earlier this month, Prime Minister John Briceño supported the PUC’s decision, explaining the need to protect local providers while still assisting those without internet access. He said, “We are not giving them [Starlink] an open license, but if a citizen comes and says, and we have been doing that forever. We want a satellite dish; you get a permit to do that. So if you come and live deep in the bush and do not have access to internet service and want to bring it in, they will approve it. So, I think that is the best compromise.”

A 200-page document compiled by the PUC included all the feedback received. In it was an email where the minister, Michel Chebat, stated, “Should approval be considered, Starlink’s operations in Belize should be facilitated through a local agent, ensuring alignment with local industry dynamics and subject to our national tax regime.”