GUYANA – The Guyana is considering a request by the United States-based Starlink to provide internet service in the country.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said that if the approval is given to Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, it means the company will have to pay taxes to the government.
The international telecommunications provider is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.
Currently, private individuals import the Starlink equipment and provide internet services to sections of the local population, specifically in hinterland area and Jagdeo said this practice is unfair to other companies providing similar services, since those companies are subjected to paying taxes.
Jagdeo told reporters that this was one of the topics discussed between President Irfaan Ali and Musk in in July.
A statement issued by the Office of the President said then that “discussions focused on the advancement of Guyana’s economy, particularly in the areas of innovation and technology, and the opportunities that exist in the respective sectors.” (CMC)
