{"id":223785,"date":"2025-01-31T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=223785"},"modified":"2025-01-30T22:13:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T02:13:58","slug":"over-100-starlink-users-in-antigua-but-the-company-has-not-been-paying-abst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/over-100-starlink-users-in-antigua-but-the-company-has-not-been-paying-abst\/","title":{"rendered":"Over 100 Starlink users in Antigua, but the company has not been paying ABST"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The government of Antigua and Barbuda is taking steps to enforce the collection of Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on Starlink\u2019s satellite internet service, following revelations that the company has not been paying the required levy.<\/p>

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Minister for Information Melford Nicholas confirmed that authorities have identified between 100 and 200 users of the service in the country. Unlike local telecommunications providers, which are required to collect and remit ABST, Starlink has not been doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe do know that there are over 100 people utilizing Starlink at the moment,\u201d Hurst said. <\/p>

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\u201cThe other telecommunications companies must pay an ABST on the services they provide to consumers. Starlink, because of its direct connection with the customer, does not have to report\u2014or rather, it is not reporting\u2014the companies or persons utilizing its services.\u201d<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hurst indicated that the government intends to rectify this situation, ensuring that the 17% ABST is applied to Starlink\u2019s operations in Antigua and Barbuda. However, he stressed that discussions remain ongoing and there is no intention to disrupt the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere 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\u201417% on the value of the service they provide.\u201d<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Asked whether Starlink had responded to the government\u2019s position, Hurst said no update had been provided during Wednesday\u2019s Cabinet session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The satellite internet service, owned by Elon Musk\u2019s SpaceX, has grown in popularity among businesses, visiting yachts, and private users due to its high-speed connectivity. The government now aims to ensure that its operations align with national tax regulations.<\/p>

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\"\"<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The government of Antigua and Barbuda is taking steps to enforce the collection of Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on Starlink\u2019s satellite internet service, following revelations that the company has not been paying the required levy. 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